CBT for Problematic Impulsive Behaviours in Bipolar Disorder: A Case Series / CBT-PIB

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · Nov 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "CBT for Problematic Impulsive Behaviours in Bipolar Disorder," is exploring how effective a talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be for people with bipolar disorder who struggle with impulsive behaviors driven by their mood. The study aims to find out if CBT is a good option for managing these behaviors, if the therapy is acceptable to both patients and therapists, and whether it can lead to improvements in participants' lives. Researchers will also look into how safe this therapy is and gather insights on the specific impulsive behaviors people might want help with.

To participate, individuals must have been diagnosed with Bipolar I or II Disorder and should be able to identify at least one impulsive behavior they'd like to work on. Participants will receive up to 12 individual therapy sessions focused on these behaviors and will be asked to complete some questionnaires before, during, and after the therapy. They will also track their mood and impulsive actions weekly throughout the study. It's important to note that those currently experiencing severe depressive episodes, mania, or other significant mental health issues may not be eligible. Overall, this trial seeks to discover new ways to support individuals with bipolar disorder in managing their impulsivity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • meeting diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or II Disorder (SCID-5- Structured clinical interview for depression )
• • able to identify at least one impulsive, problematic behaviour to target during the intervention;
• • participants will require working knowledge of written and spoken English, sufficient to be able to make use of therapy and to be able complete research assessments without the need of a translator.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • major depressive episode (identified through SCID-DSM-5);
• • current experience of mania;
• • current/past learning disability (IQ of less than 70 with impairment of social and adaptive functioning)
• • organic brain change or substance dependence (drugs and alcohol) that would compromise ability to use therapy;
• • current marked risk to self (i.e. self-harm or suicide) that we deem could not be appropriately managed in by the therapy site;
• • currently lacking capacity to give informed consent;
• • currently receiving other psychosocial therapy for impulsivity or bipolar disorder;
• • current engagement in another psychological intervention addressing bipolar disorder or impulsivity;
• • presence of another area of difficulty that the therapist and client believe should be the primary focus of intervention (for example, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychosis).