Myths About Bipolar Affective Disorder: The Role of Structured Group Psychoeducation Therapy

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study will examine: 1) The impact of psycho education group therapy sessions relating to beliefs/myths associated with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) on the emotional wellbeing, clinical course and cognition of individuals diagnosed with BAD 2) Will examine the existence of those same beliefs among the various caregivers - psychiatrists, general practitioners, social workers, and psychiatric nurses. The investigators hypothesize that psychoeducation group therapy will be effective in refuting the myths and will lead to better treatment adherence, longer remissions, fewer hospitalizations, improved self esteem, increased optimism, and better control over the disease process. The investigators also believe that they will identify some beliefs/myths or preconceived notions that are common to both caregivers and individuals with BAD.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Methods: Effect psychoeducation: Study population - 30 patients diagnosed with BAD treated in the outpatient clinic, in a state of remission will be evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale, and will then participate in 7 weekly sessions of brief structured psycho education therapy Control group - 30 patients diagnosed with BAD treated in the outpatient clinic, in a state of remission will be evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale. In addition both groups will complete the Snyder Hope Scale, Accepting the Mental Illness Label Scale and a questionnaire regarding Myths in BAD prior to the study, and when the study group finishes their group therapy sessions. (Controls will not participate in the psychoeducation group therapy). Caregivers beliefs: 50 caregivers from various professions will complete the questionnaire regarding the myths, once only.

Official Title
-----------------
Myths About Bipolar Affective Disorder: The Role of Structured Group Psychoeducation Therapy

Conditions
-----------------
Bipolar Affective Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Brief Structured Psychoeducation Group Therapy


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: DSM-IV diagnosis of BAD State of remission Exclusion Criteria: HAM-D score < 10 YMRS score < 12 Has a guardian for either self or property

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Bipolar patients participating in psychoeducation intervention | Behavioral: Brief Structured Psychoeducation Group Therapy<br>* weekly brief structured psychoeducation group therapy for seven weeks for bipolar patients<br>|
| No Intervention: 2<br>bipolar patients who do not participate in psychoeducation group | |
| No Intervention: 3<br>Therapists will complete questionnaires regarding myths about bipolar patients, no intervention | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Accepting Mental Illness Scale |  | 7 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hope Scale |  | 7 weeks | 
| Myths about BAD questionnaire |  | 7 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Bipolar affective disorder, myths, preconceived notions, stigma, hope