Overview of Study

Why is this research being done?

Bipolar disorder is an illness that is associated with extreme mood changes, from manic episodes of very high energy to extreme lows of depression. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, which means that children with a parent who has bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the disorder than those who do not. The purpose of this study is to find out if two different kinds of talk therapy can help prevent or reduce psychiatric symptoms in adolescents who are at high risk for the development of mental health disorders due to their family history.

The study lasts for 18 months and study participation for children and parents involves interviews and questionnaires, and for the child measuring sleep/wake patterns, and up to 8 sessions with a study therapist by videoconference.

Determining your family’s interest in being in the study, and eligibility for the study:

• Birth parent must have diagnosis of bipolar disorder
• Child must be between the ages of 12 and 18 years old
• If younger than 18 years of age a parent must provide consent
• Screening may be completed online or by telephone (412.298.2784)

Information provided will be kept confidential

• We take your family’s privacy very seriously!
• All data will be kept in locked cabinets or secure databases.

Participation is voluntary

• Participation in this research study is completely voluntary. Participants may refuse to take part in it, or they may stop participating at any time.

Compensation Information

• You will not be paid for this initial screening. If the youth is determined to be eligible for the full study and decides to participate, you will be compensated for each phase of the study, beginning with the in-person/virtual screening visit. The average participant can earn up to $600 if they complete all parts of the study.