Recovery-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy for recent-onset bipolar disorder: Randomised controlled pilot trial. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Steven H.; Smith, Gina; Mulligan, Lee D.; Lobban, Fiona; Law, Heather; Dunn, Graham; Welford, Mary; Kelly, James; Mulligan, John; Morrison, Anthony P.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 206:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.141259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Despite evidence for the effectiveness of structured psychological therapies for bipolar disorder no psychological interventions have been specifically designed to enhance personal recovery for individuals with recent-onset bipolar disorder. Aims: A pilot study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a new intervention, recovery-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT), designed in collaboration with individuals with recent-onset bipolar disorder intended to improve clinical and personal recovery outcomes. Method: A single, blind randomised controlled trial compared treatment as usual (TAU) with recovery-focused CBT plus TAU ( n = 67). Results: Recruitment and follow-up rates within 10% of pre-planned targets to 12-month follow-up were achieved. An average of 14.15 h (s.d. = 4.21) of recovery-focused CBT were attended out of a potential maximum of 18 h. Compared with TAU, recovery-focused CBT significantly improved personal recovery up to 12-month follow-up (Bipolar Recovery Questionnaire mean score 310.87, 95% CI 75.00–546.74 (s.e. = 120.34), P = 0.010, d =0.62) and increased time to any mood relapse during up to 15 months follow-up (χ 2 = 7.64, P <0.006, estimated hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38, 95% CI 0.18–0.78). Groups did not differ with respect to medication adherence. Conclusions: Recovery-focused CBT seems promising with respect to feasibility and potential clinical effectiveness. Clinical- and cost-effectiveness now need to be reliably estimated in a definitive trial.