Using electronic cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with bipolar disorder and depression

Delivering Electronic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to Patients With Bipolar Disorder and Residual Depressive Symptoms

Not applicable Interventional Queen's University · NCT04664257

This study is testing whether an online therapy program can help people with Bipolar Disorder Type II who are feeling depressed feel better when combined with their usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04664257 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering electronic cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) to individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type II who are experiencing depressive symptoms. Participants will be recruited from the Mood and Anxiety Clinic at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, and will be randomly assigned to receive either e-CBT in addition to treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. The e-CBT will be delivered through a secure cloud-based platform, the Online Psychotherapy Tool (OPTT), which is designed to enhance accessibility and patient engagement. The study will include a thorough assessment to confirm eligibility based on specific diagnostic criteria and depression severity scores.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 55 with a confirmed diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type II and moderate depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing acute hypomanic or manic episodes, severe substance use disorders, or active suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for patients with bipolar disorder experiencing depressive symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for electronic CBT in treating depression and anxiety, suggesting that this approach may be effective for bipolar disorder as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder - 2
* MADRS score of 7-34
* Competence to consent and participate
* Ability to speak and read English
* Consistent and reliable access to the internet

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute hypomanic/manic episodes
* Acute psychosis
* Severe alcohol or substance use disorder
* Active suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
* Currently receiving/has received CBT in the past year

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Bipolar DisorderBipolar DepressionCognitive Behavioural TherapyVirtual Mental Health CarePsychotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.