Extrait

Background and study aims Bipolar disorder, previously known as “manic depression”, is a serious mental illness that involves episodes of depression (extreme lows) and mania (extreme highs) or hypomania (a milder form of mania). BD can be extremely distressing for both sufferers and their loved ones, and is thought to cost the NHS around £340 million every year. The more episodes a person has the more likely they are to relapse and for quality of life to worsen, and so it is important to find new treatments that improve recovery and boost resilience to reduce further episodes. People with bipolar disorder often have difficulty with thinking skills (cognitive function) such as concentration, memory, and planning. These problems are linked with reduced response to treatment, higher relapse rates, and more difficulties in everyday life. Similar problems in people diagnosed with schizophrenia can be helped with cognitive remediation therapy (a type of therapy designed to improve cognitive function), however it is not yet known whether this would be effective in people with bipolar disorder. The aim of this investigate whether a part-computerised version of CRT, is an acceptable treatment option for people with bipolar disorder and whether it can help to improve cognitive function. Who can participate? Adults with bipolar I disorder (a form of BD characterized by severe manic episodes) who are not currently experiencing manic or depressive symptoms. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group take part in two-three weekly sessions of CRT which last for around an hour for 12 weeks, alongside their usual treatment. Participants also complete part of the therapy on a computer, so the total therapy time is around 20-40 hours over the 12 weeks. Those in the second group continue with their usual treatment only for the 12 weeks of the study. At the start of the study and then again after 12 and 24 weeks, participants complete a number of tasks involving thinking, concentration and memory to test their cognitive functioning. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants may benefit from an improvement to their cognitive and everyday functioning after taking part in the study. There is a small risk that the therapy may be distressing for some participants or that that it will not work for them. however trained therapists are available to help participants if this happens. Where is the study run from? 1. Optima mood disorders clinic, Lambeth Hospital (UK) 2. Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? December 2015 to December 2016 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (UK) Who is the main contact? Ms Becci Strawbridge [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Topic: Mental Health; Subtopic: Bipolar affective disorder; Disease: Bipolar affective disorder

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn