California: Study of children at high risk of bipolar disorder
Family–engaged therapy at forefront of prevention
The National Institute of Mental Health has approved funds to test the effectiveness of an early intervention in children at high risk for developing bipolar disorder. The long–term goal of this study is to reduce or delay the development of bipolar disorder in at risk youth, and to head–off the effects of the disorder before it disrupts healthy development and functioning.
Doctors will use family focused therapy [FFT], which teaches patients and their families about bipolar disorder and disease management, improves communication skills and problem–solving skills. Past research has shown that FFT, when used with medication, can help prevent recurrences and reduce symptoms in adults and teenagers diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The aim is to develop FFT for children aged 9 to 17 who are at high risk of developing the disorder. This indicates children who have some symptoms of bipolar disorder, but do not show all the symptoms required for a formal diagnosis, and have an immediate family member with it.
Dr David Miklowitz, from the University of Colorado said, “Typically, a person undergoes treatment only after he or she is already diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This study is different in that it will help us determine whether we can minimise future impairments by intervening prior to the first episode.”
The study will be conducted by doctors at the University of Colorado and Stanford University in California and if the results of this three–year pilot are positive, a larger scale trial may be developed.
For more details visit the National Institute's website at: www.nimh.nih.gov.
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