Internet-Based Interventions for Bipolar Disorder (MoodSwings 2)
Condition: Bipolar Disorder
MeSH terms: Bipolar Disorder
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study will examine if there is a benefit of an online intervention for persons with
      bipolar diagnoses, and what components appear to be most useful.
    

Detailed description: 
      This study will examine whether exposure to the three different components of the MoodSwings
      2.0 intervention results in decreased depressive symptoms as measured by the Montgomery
      Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and decreased manic symptoms as measured by the Young
      Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The three components of the MoodSwings 2.0 intervention are:

        -  Moderated peer discussion board

        -  Psychoeducation learning modules

        -  Interactive psychosocial tools

      This study will also examine whether there is an association between graduated levels of
      involvement and resulting improvement. These graduated levels are:

        -  Moderated peer discussion board only (Level 1)

        -  Moderated peer discussion board and psychoeducation learning modules (Level 2)

        -  Moderated peer discussion board, psychoeducation learning modules and interactive
           psychosocial tools (Level 3).

      We expect that those participants assigned to the control condition (Level 1), will have
      fewer positive outcomes than those in Level 2 or Level 3 conditions.
    

Intervention name(s): Moderated discussion board; Psychoeducation; Interactive Psychosocial Tools
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): All groups will have access to asynchronous, moderated discussion boards. Assignment to discussion board will be stratified by randomization group (Level 1, 2 or 3). Level 1 access to the discussion board will serve as our "peer support" control condition, although we do expect some modest benefit from this intervention alone.
The discussion boards will be moderated by research staff, who will be supervised by a trained clinician (masters levels or higher). Discussion boards will be asynchronous, with all posts screened by the moderator(s) before appearing to the group.; Online psychoeducation is only available to those randomized to Levels 2 and 3. The core modules of MoodSwings 2.0 will use videos and improved organization of content based on feedback from previous pilot work. Module topic areas include:
What is bipolar disorder? - Content about symptoms and diagnosis
Stress and triggers of illness
Medication and the biological basis of bipolar disorder
Depression - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies
Mania and hypomania - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies.; Online psychosocial tools are only available to those randomized to Level 3. They include structured mood monitoring, medication monitoring, and life charting visual tools. There are also interactive worksheets that encourage awareness of negative thoughts and strategies to challenge them, help participants weight the costs and benefits of different behaviours, problem solving and goal setting, and reinforcing self-affirmation. Participants have the opportunity to build a record of personal triggers of illness and illness profile - including early warning signs, and symptoms typically experienced during an episode of illness, as well as a personal "relapse prevention plan".
Other intervention name(s): discussion board; online discussion; online posts; online discussion boards; forum; discussion forum; support group; discussion group; Online psychoeducation; Online education; Education; Interactive tools; Online tools; Online interactive tools
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder; Bipolar; Online intervention; Internet intervention; Self help