Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder

The aim of the study is to develop and pilot test a cognitive-behavioral (CBT) intervention for young adults, ages 18-24 with bipolar disorder. The 14-week intervention focuses on improving management of bipolar disorder, reducing involvement in high-risk behaviors, and enhancing psychosocial functioning. The intervention also focuses on issues specific to transition-age youth. The study includes two phases: In phase 1, the intervention will be developed, refined, and openly piloted with several participants. In phase 2,the investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial, in which 40 participants will be randomized either to receive the intervention right away, or to a 14-week waitlist condition. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, week 5, week 10, and week 14 of the study period, as well as at 3- and 6-month follow up, using measures of mood symptoms, high-risk behaviors, drug and alcohol use, and psychosocial functioning.

bipolar disorder, cognitive behavior therapy, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, high risk behaviors, medication adherence, psychosocial functioning

14 sessions of individual cognitive-behavior therapy. Sessions last 50-60 minutes and are held weekly. 2 optional monthly booster sessions may also be held after the end of treatment.

We will assess the percentage of completers versus drop-outs to examine feasibility of treatment procedures

a version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale that has been adapted to assess involvement in high-risk behaviors. This measure is individualized for each participant to assess their specific high-risk behavior that they would like to work on in treatment

Clinician-administered measure that assesses the presence and severity of depression and mania over the past month.

Assesses treatment with different classes of medication, psychotherapy, and psychiatric hospitalization

Assesses learned resourcefulness and self-control behaviors including problem-solving skills and self-efficacy

Inclusion Criteria: diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorder (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Bipolar NOS Disorder) ages 18-24 years able to understand the nature of the study as well as potential risks and benefits in treatment with a physician or nurse-practitioner for their bipolar disorder, or willing to seek and obtain such treatment if needed. Exclusion Criteria: concurrent cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy documented mental retardation pervasive developmental disorder current serious medical illness inability to participate in the intervention because of acuity of symptoms current drug or alcohol dependence (other than marijuana dependence)