Effects of Lithium on Suicide Prevention in Adolescents and Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder in China

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY · May 16, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a medication called lithium carbonate in helping prevent suicide and self-harm in adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder in China. The main goal is to see how lithium can reduce thoughts of suicide in young people aged 12 to 45 who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The study will also look at how well lithium prevents suicide attempts, self-injury that isn’t intended to be life-threatening, and aggressive behaviors.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 12 and 45 years old and diagnosed with bipolar disorder using a specific interview. Participants in one group will be those who have been taking lithium for at least six months, while another group will include individuals who have not used lithium in the past year. All participants will need to have the ability to join in interviews about their experiences and provide consent. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it is important for potential participants to be in a stable phase of their illness, without severe physical health issues or substance abuse problems.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • -
• • 1 For Lithium group
• • 1. Aged 12-45 years (adolescents 12-17, young adults 18-45).
• • 2. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder using the the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) (M.I.N.I.; version 5.0) based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.
• • 3. Adolescents diagnosed using the M.I.N.I. Kid version.
• • 4. Lithium medication adherence of at least 80% in the first six months over the past year.
• • 5. Not in an acute phase of illness.
• • 6. Patient or guardian able to participate in assessment interviews.
• • 7. Informed consent signed by participants and guardians (for adolescents).
• • 2 for Non-lithium group
• • 1. Aged 12-45 years (adolescents 12-17, young adults 18-45).
• • 2. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.; version 5.0) based on DSM-IV criteria.
• • 3. Adolescents diagnosed using the M.I.N.I. Kid version.
• • 4. No lithium use over the past year.
• • 5. Not in an acute phase of illness.
• • 6. Patient or guardian able to participate in assessment interviews.
• • 7. Informed consent signed by participants and guardians (for adolescents).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Severe physical illness or active substance abuse.
• • 2. Severe cognitive impairments, including developmental delays or dementia.