Sophie Parker1,2, Paul French1,3, Rory Byrne1, Rchard Bentall4, David Shiers1,2, Linda Davies2, Graham Dunn2; 1Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, 2University of Manchester, 3Liverpool University, 4Sheffield University
Research has demonstrated the ability to identify and treat individuals at high risk of developing psychosis and more recently that it is possible to utilise a similar strategy to identify people who have an emergent risk of Bipolar Disorder (BD). BD can be a severe, recurrent and disabling condition with significant consequences for individuals, families and society. Criteria have been established to identify individuals considered to be at high risk for developing BD (Bipolar At Risk; Bechdolf et. al., 2012; 2014). Identifying this group and offering an intervention may reduce transition to a full expression of BD and offer the possibility of prevention. The overall aim was to identify people who were considered to be at high risk of developing Bipolar Disorder (BD) according to the criteria, and to investigate whether a psychological intervention is an acceptable, feasible and potentially effective treatment option. This feasibility study applied a randomised design to test the acceptability of a psychological intervention (CBT) in people considered to be at high risk of developing BD (Bipolar At Risk). 76 Individuals were randomised to one of two conditions (CBT plus treatment as usual versus treatment as usual alone). All participants were monitored for 1 year to assess levels of transition to full BD. The CBT intervention was aimed at minimising transition to BD, reducing distress and increasing quality of life. Assessments were carried out at baseline, 6 and 12 month follow-up. Data from the trial will be presented and the implications of the trial discussed.
