Child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Behavioral skill practice as a predictor of mood and family functioning in adolescents with bipolar and depressive mood disorders: Results of a 6-month randomized trial of family-focused therapy

OBJECTIVE

Behavioral interventions require considerable practice of treatment skills in between therapy sessions. The effects of these treatments may vary with the degree to which patients are able to implement these practices. In offspring of parents with bipolar and major depressive disorders, we examined whether youth who frequently practiced communication and problem-solving skills between family-focused therapy (FFT) sessions had less severe mood symptoms and better psychosocial functioning over 6 months than youth who practiced less frequently.

METHODS

We randomly assigned offspring (ages 12-19) of parents with mood disorders to 12 sessions of FFT plus a mobile app that encouraged the practice of communication, problem-solving and mood management skills (FFT-MyCoachConnect [MCC] condition) or 12 sessions of FFT with an app that only allowed for tracking of symptoms and stress (FFT-Track condition). Independent evaluators assessed youths' mood and psychosocial functioning at 9-week intervals over 27 weeks. Clinicians rated participants' between-session skill practice at each FFT session.

RESULTS

FFT-MCC was associated with more frequent skill practice than FFT-Track over 18 weeks of treatment. Skill practice was associated with reductions in youths' mood instability and perceptions of family conflict over 27 weeks in both app conditions. Skill practice mediated the effects of app condition on youths' mood instability and family functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile applications as adjuncts to family therapy for youth with mood disorders can help increase skill practice. These findings provide preliminary causal evidence for behavioral skill practice improving mood symptoms and family functioning among youth with mood disorders.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Early-onset bipolar disorder conveys substantial risk for suicide. No psychosocial intervention for this population expressly targets suicidal behavior.

Objective

To determine whether dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorder is more effective than standard of care (SOC) psychotherapy in decreasing suicide attempts over 1 year.

Design, Settings, and Participants

Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder were recruited from a specialty outpatient psychiatric clinic between November 2014 and September 2019. Independent evaluators conducted quarterly assessments over 1 year with participants and parents. Data were analyzed from March 2021 to November 2022.

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 year of DBT (36 sessions; n = 47) or SOC psychotherapy (schedule clinically determined; n = 53). All youth received medication management via a flexible algorithm.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes included suicide attempts over 1 year and mood symptoms and states (depression and hypomania/mania). Secondary analyses included moderation of DBT effects by history of suicide attempt and mediation through emotion dysregulation.

Results

Of 100 included participants, 85 (85%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 16.1 (1.6) years. Participants were followed up over a mean (SD) of 47 (14) weeks. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant and similar improvement in mood symptoms and episodes over 1 year (standardized depression rating scale slope, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.03; standardized mania rating scale slope, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.14). DBT and SOC participants reported similar suicide attempt rates at intake as measured on the Adolescent Longitudinal Follow-Up Evaluation (ALIFE; mean [SD] attempts, 2.0 [4.5] vs 1.8 [3.9], respectively; P = .80). DBT participants reported slightly more suicide attempts at intake as measured on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale Pediatric Version (C-SSRS; mean [SD] attempts, 1.4 [3.6] vs 0.6 [0.9]; P = .02). DBT participants reported significantly fewer suicide attempts over follow-up compared with SOC participants via the ALIFE (mean [SD] attempts per follow-up period, 0.2 [0.4] vs 1.1 [4.3], controlling for baseline attempts: P = .03) and the C-SSRS (mean [SD] attempts per follow-up period, 0.04 [0.2] vs 0.10 [0.3], controlling for baseline attempts; P = .03). DBT was significantly more effective than SOC psychotherapy at decreasing suicide attempts over 1 year (ALIFE: incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.96; C-SSRS: IRR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.78). Decreased rate of suicide attempts in DBT was moderated by presence of lifetime history of suicide attempt and time (IRR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44) and mediated by improvement in emotion dysregulation (IRR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.89), particularly for those with high baseline emotion dysregulation (standardized β, -0.59; 95% CI, -0.92 to -0.26).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, DBT demonstrated efficacy in decreasing suicide attempts among the high-risk population of adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorder.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02003690.

Cognitive, Family, and Quality-of-Life Characteristics of Youth with Depression Associated with Bipolar Disorder

Background: Depression associated with bipolar disorder (BD) is more common compared to mania. Cognitive, family, and quality-of-life (QOL) factors associated with pediatric bipolar depression are understudied. The goal of this study was to evaluate cognitive, family environmental, and QOL characteristics of youth with bipolar depression. Methods: Thirty-two youth (12-18 years of age) with BD type I currently depressed were recruited from inpatient and outpatient setting. Subjects were assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), the Family Environment Scale (FES), and the Child Health Questionnaire-Parental-Form 50 (CHQ-PF50). Results were compared with population norms and the relationship between these domains was calculated. Results: Youth with depression associated with BD did not show significant impairment in executive functions. They displayed impaired family environment in the domains of cohesion, independence, achievement orientation, and organization. Youth also displayed impairments in the psychosocial health domains compared with the population normative data. The CHQ-Psychosocial health significantly negatively correlated with the BRIEF-Global Executive Control score (r = -0.76, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Depression in youth with BD is associated with impairments in family functioning and QOL. Impairments in psychosocial QOL are associated with cognitive functioning. Further intervention studies examining executive functioning and family environment as treatment targets are needed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT00232414.

Behavioral self-regulation in pediatric bipolar disorder and healthy offspring of bipolar patients

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated behavioral self-regulation problems using the Children's Hostility Inventory (CHI) in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), healthy offspring of bipolar disorder patients (HOBD), and healthy controls (HC) without previous history of psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

The CHI was administered to 41 consecutive children and adolescents diagnosed with PBD, to 16 HOBD, and to 22 HC. The inventory assessed irritability, expression, hostility, and aggression and was completed by the children with the help of their mothers. Adolescents and their respective parents were interviewed separately using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL).

RESULTS

All subscales of the CHI presented statistically significant differences, except for the subscale assessing feelings of suspicion. Pairwise comparisons revealed consistently significant differences between the PBD group and controls, indicating more self-regulation difficulties in the PBD group, represented by high levels of hostility and aggressive behavior. There were no significant differences between the PBD and HOBD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should further investigate if such behavior is state-dependent or a trait of bipolar juvenile expression. Expression of hostility and irritability should be considered relevant targets in psychosocial approaches addressing this population.

Adolescent and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Bipolar Disorders: An Open Trial and Individual Trajectories Study in Routine Psychiatric Care

Psychosocial treatments improve outcome in Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), but few are developed specifically for adolescents and none has been evaluated in Europe. This study evaluates family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents (ages 13-18) with PBD in routine psychiatric care in Sweden, adapted for teenagers in a European setting from the Child and Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PBD (ages 8-12) developed in the US. In a repeated-measure open trial, psychosocial functioning, depression, skills and knowledge about PBD, and family climate were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and after 6 months. Assessments were made by adolescents (n = 45), parents (n = 61) and clinicians. Both group statistics and individual trajectories are reported. Psychosocial function, as rated by parents and clinicians, improved at post-treatment, and parents reported less mania and improved family climate at post-treatment. Both parents and adolescents reported improved skills and knowledge. Most results after treatment showed medium effect sizes. Significant improvements were seen in most individual trajectories, however no change and even deterioration was observed in some. The present trial shows that AFF-CBT is well accepted and associated with improved psychosocial function in adolescents and improved skills and knowledge about PBD in adolescents and their parents. Regarding mood symptoms and family climate the results showed more individual variability, indicating that adjustments in delivery of the treatment according to the unique patient could be of importance. AFF-CBT seems to be a valuable addition to pharmacological treatments in PBD.

Can machine learning identify childhood characteristics that predict future development of bipolar disorder a decade later?

Early identification of bipolar disorder may provide appropriate support and treatment, however there is no current evidence for statistically predicting whether a child will develop bipolar disorder. Machine learning methods offer an opportunity for developing empirically-based predictors of bipolar disorder. This study examined whether bipolar disorder can be predicted using clinical data and machine learning algorithms. 492 children, ages 6-18 at baseline, were recruited from longitudinal case-control family studies. Participants were assessed at baseline, then followed-up after 10 years. In addition to sociodemographic data, children were assessed with psychometric scales, structured diagnostic interviews, and cognitive and social functioning assessments. Using the Balanced Random Forest algorithm, we examined whether the diagnostic outcome of full or subsyndromal bipolar disorder could be predicted from baseline data. 45 children (10%) developed bipolar disorder at follow-up. The model predicted subsequent bipolar disorder with 75% sensitivity, 76% specificity, and an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics of 75%. Predictors best differentiating between children who did or did not develop bipolar disorder were the Child Behavioral Checklist Externalizing and Internalizing behaviors, the Child Behavioral Checklist Total t-score, problematic school functions indexed through the Child Behavioral Checklist School Competence scale, and the Child Behavioral Checklist Anxiety/Depression and Aggression scales. Our study provides the first quantitative model to predict bipolar disorder. Longitudinal prediction may help clinicians assess children with emergent psychopathology for future risk of bipolar disorder, an area of clinical and scientific importance. Machine learning algorithms could be implemented to alert clinicians to risk for bipolar disorder.

Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Evidence suggests that adjunctive psychosocial intervention for the treatment of pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders (BPSDs) is effective, feasible, and highly accepted as both an acute and maintenance treatment for youth with BPSD diagnoses as well as a preventive treatment for high-risk youth who are either asymptomatic or exhibit subsyndromal mood symptoms. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of all known evidence-based interventions, including detailed descriptions of treatment targets and core components, results of clinical trials, and updated research on mediators and moderators of treatment efficacy. Treatments are presented systematically according to level of empirical support (i.e., well established, probably efficacious, possibly efficacious, experimental, or questionable); upcoming and ongoing trials are included when possible. In line with a staging approach, preventive interventions are presented separately. Recommendations for best practices based on age, stage, and additional evidence-based child and family factors shown to affect treatment outcomes are provided. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 18 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Research Status in Clinical Practice Regarding Pediatric and Adolescent Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders (BDs) have high morbidity. The first onset of 27.7% of BDs occurs in children under 13 years and of 37.6% occurs in adolescents between 13 and 18 years. However, not all of the pediatric and adolescent patients with BD receive therapy in time. Therefore, studies about pediatric and adolescent patients with disorders have aroused increased attention in the scientific community. Pediatric and adolescent patients with BD present with a high prevalence rate (0.9-3.9%), and the pathogenic factors are mostly due to genetics and the environment; however, the pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Pediatric and adolescent patients with BD manifest differently from adults with BDs and the use of scales can be helpful for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Pediatric and adolescent patients with BDs have been confirmed to have a high comorbidity rate with many other kinds of disorders. Both medication and psychological therapies have been shown to be safe and efficient methods for the treatment of BD. This review summarizes the research status related to the epidemiology, pathogenic factors, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, diagnostic and treatment scales, medications, and psychological therapies associated with BDs.

Couple and family interventions for depressive and bipolar disorders: Evidence base update (2010-2019)

This article systematically reviews the evidence base for couple and family interventions for depressive and bipolar disorders published from 2010 to 2019. Included in the review were intervention studies on depression for couples (n = 6), depression for families (n = 13), and bipolar for families (n = 5); zero studies on couple interventions for bipolar were located. Well-established interventions include cognitive and/or behavioral couple and family interventions for depression and psychoeducational family interventions for bipolar. Attachment-based couple and family interventions for depression are probably efficacious. Finally, family psychoeducation for depression is possibly efficacious, and integrative couple interventions and family play-based interventions for depression are experimental. Couple and family interventions also improved relationship dynamics, which is noteworthy since poor relationships are associated with non-remission, relapse, and recurrence of depressive and bipolar symptoms. Future research is needed on couple interventions for bipolar disorders and interventions for minoritized populations.

Overview of Ten Child Mental Health Clinical Outcome Measures: Testing of Psychometric Properties with Diverse Client Populations in the U.S

While many standardized assessment measures exist to track child mental health treatment outcomes, the degree to which such tools have been adequately tested for reliability and validity across race, ethnicity, and class is uneven. This paper examines the corpus of published tests of psychometric properties for the ten standardized measures used in U.S. child outpatient care, with focus on breadth of testing across these domains. Our goal is to assist care providers, researchers, and legislators in understanding how cultural mismatch impacts measurement accuracy and how to select tools appropriate to the characteristics of their client populations. We also highlight avenues of needed research for measures that are in common use. The list of measures was compiled from (1) U.S. state Department of Mental Health websites; (2) a survey of California county behavioral health agency directors; and (3) exploratory literature scans of published research. Ten measures met inclusion criteria; for each one a systematic review of psychometrics literature was conducted. Diversity of participant research samples was examined as well as differences in reliability and validity by gender, race or ethnicity, and socio-economic class. All measures showed adequate reliability and validity, however half lacked diverse testing across all three domains and all lacked testing with Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native American children. ASEBA, PSC, and SDQ had the broadest testing.

Psychoeducational and Skill-building Interventions for Emotion Dysregulation

Family psychoeducation plus skill building is a class of interventions considered to be well-established for youth with mood disorders or emotion dysregulation. Psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP) is an example of this class of interventions. PEP provides psychoeducation for parents and children, skill building to help children better regulate emotions and behaviors, and strategies for parents to better facilitate school-based interventions, develop specific symptom management techniques, and generate coping strategies for the entire family. Evidence is summarized supporting the efficacy of PEP for reducing rage, overall mood symptom severity, disruptive behavior, and executive functioning deficits in youth. Long-term benefits of PEP are discussed.

Moody kids years later: Long-term outcomes of youth from the Omega-3 and therapy (OATS) studies

BACKGROUND

This naturalistic follow-up study examines outcomes for youth with depression (n = 25) or subsyndromal bipolar disorder (n = 13) 2-5 years after participation in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of omega-3 fatty acids (Ω3), individual family psychoeducational psychotherapy (IF-PEP), and their combination METHODS: Forty percent (38/95) of RCT families completed a follow-up assessment RESULTS: Relapse rates and conversion to bipolar disorder were consistent with published literature. Original treatment assignment did not impact current functioning. Overall, participants' mood severity, executive functioning, and global functioning continued to be better than at RCT baseline. Depressive symptoms increased significantly from end of RCT. Manic symptom severity, executive functioning, and global functioning remained comparable to end of RCT. The majority of parents and youth reported improved youth emotion regulation skills and family communication. They considered study participation beneficial, with increased understanding of mood disorders being the top reason. Half of youth commenced or continued Ω3 and 58% commenced or continued psychotherapy post-RCT, suggesting some degree of consumer satisfaction; these youth had lower depression severity than other participants.

LIMITATIONS

Only 40% returned to this naturalistic follow-up; they were less likely to have an African-American parent, were of higher income, and youth were more symptomatic at end of RCT than those who did not return CONCLUSIONS: Improvement from RCT baseline continued although depressive symptom severity increased from end of RCT to follow-up. Meaningful improvements in youth and family functioning persisted 2-5 years later. Interventions that prevent relapse or conversion to BPSD are still needed for these vulnerable populations.

Improved Parent-Child Interactions Predict Reduced Internalizing Symptoms Among the Offspring of Parents with Bipolar Disorder Undergoing a Prevention Program: A Proof-of-Concept Study

The offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OBD) exhibit elevated rates of psychopathology. However, preventative interventions are lacking. Using a quasi-experimental design with an assessment-only control group, we examined if a 12-week program (entitled Reducing Unwanted Stress in the Home, RUSH) decreases internalizing and externalizing symptoms in the OBD (aged 6-11 years) via intervention-related gains in parent-child interaction quality. Participants consisted of 55 offspring (26 OBD; 29 controls) and their parents. Assessments were conducted at four time points up to six months following the end of the RUSH program, during which parent and teacher ratings of child symptoms, and parent-child interaction quality (parental positivity and negativity, and dyadic mutuality) were measured. Multilevel modelling showed improved parental positivity and negativity, and dyadic mutuality among target dyads immediately and six months post-intervention. For the bootstrapping mediation analyses, intervention-related change in parental negativity fully mediated the relations between having participated in the RUSH program and lower parent-reported internalizing problems among the OBD six months later. These data provide evidence of the efficacy of the RUSH program for OBD who exhibited improved interactions with their parents post-intervention. Further investigation via a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Achieving Mental Health Equity: Children and Adolescents

This article briefly reviews the influences of protective and risk factors of child and adolescent mental health, and explores promising practices and outcomes of evidence-based programs designed to improve the mental health of youth, and the barriers for accessing quality and evidence-based child and adolescent mental health service delivery systems. The authors provide recommendations for individual practice improvements and policy, funding, and organizational practice improvements that will support mental health equity in child and adolescent populations.

FAB: First UK feasibility trial of a future randomised controlled trial of Family focused treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

This first mixed-methods UK trial examined the feasibility and acceptability of a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate whether Family Focussed Treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder (FFT-A) UK version can improve family functioning and well-being as part of the management of Paediatric Bipolar Disorder (PBD).

METHOD

The trial used a randomised, parallel group, non-blinded design where participants received FFT-A UK (16 sessions over 6 months) immediately or after 12 months (delayed arm). Measures of family functioning, well-being and quality of life of the young person and the main carer (most commonly a parent) were completed at baseline, 6 and 12-months in both arms. Primary outcome measures included rates of eligibility, consent and retention along with estimates of variability in the measures and assessment of the intervention delivery. Qualitative interviews allowed assessment of participants' views about FFT-A and the trial processes.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 36 young persons with PBD and their families consented; of these, 14 families were randomised to the immediate and 13 to the delayed arm. Two families from the immediate arm withdrew consent and discontinued participation. Quantitative measures were completed by 22 families (88%) at 6-months and 21 families (84%) at 12-months. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 participants (9 young people, 15 parents and 6 other family members). Nine families attended 3 post-trial focus groups.

CONCLUSION

It was feasible to recruit and retain to this trial. The results highlighted that trial design and measures were acceptable to participants. A benefit in family relationships was reported by participants which they attributed to the intervention in qualitative interviews. Families recommended that future modifications include definitive trial(s) recruiting participants in the age range 15-25 years as it felt this was the age range with maximum need. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN59769322. Registered 20 January 2014, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN59769322.

Effects of Family-Focused Therapy vs Enhanced Usual Care for Symptomatic Youths at High Risk for Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Behavioral high-risk phenotypes predict the onset of bipolar disorder among youths who have parents with bipolar disorder. Few studies have examined whether early intervention delays new mood episodes in high-risk youths.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether family-focused therapy (FFT) for high-risk youths is more effective than standard psychoeducation in hastening recovery and delaying emergence of mood episodes during the 1 to 4 years after an active period of mood symptoms.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multisite randomized clinical trial included referred youths (aged 9-17 years) with major depressive disorder or unspecified (subthreshold) bipolar disorder, active mood symptoms, and at least 1 first- or second-degree relative with bipolar disorder I or II. Recruitment started from October 6, 2011, and ended on September 15, 2016. Independent evaluators interviewed participants every 4 to 6 months to measure symptoms for up to 4 years. Data analysis was performed from March 13 to November 3, 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

High-risk youths and parents were randomly allocated to FFT (12 sessions in 4 months of psychoeducation, communication training, and problem-solving skills training; n = 61) or enhanced care (6 sessions in 4 months of family and individual psychoeducation; n = 66). Youths could receive medication management in either condition.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The coprimary outcomes, derived using weekly psychiatric status ratings, were time to recovery from prerandomization symptoms and time to a prospectively observed mood (depressive, manic, or hypomanic) episode after recovery. Secondary outcomes were time to conversion to bipolar disorder I or II and longitudinal symptom trajectories.

RESULTS

All 127 participants (82 [64.6%] female; mean [SD] age, 13.2 [2.6] years) were followed up for a median of 98 weeks (range, 0-255 weeks). No differences were detected between treatments in time to recovery from pretreatment symptoms. High-risk youths in the FFT group had longer intervals from recovery to the emergence of the next mood episode (χ2 = 5.44; P = .02; hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92;), and from randomization to the next mood episode (χ2 = 4.44; P = .03; hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35-0.97) than youths in enhanced care. Specifically, FFT was associated with longer intervals to depressive episodes (log-rank χ2 = 6.24; P = .01; hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.88) but did not differ from enhanced care in time to manic or hypomanic episodes, conversions to bipolar disorder, or symptom trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Family skills-training for youths at high risk for bipolar disorder is associated with longer times between mood episodes. Clarifying the relationship between changes in family functioning and changes in the course of high-risk syndromes merits future investigation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01483391.

Immune response to stress induction as a predictor of cognitive-behavioral therapy outcomes in adolescent mood disorders: A pilot study

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alleviates symptoms of depression in youth with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Empirical research has linked inflammatory markers to depressive symptoms and acute psychosocial stress; however, a gap remains as to whether immune response to stress may serve as a putative mechanism of treatment. This preliminary pilot study determined the modest feasibility of assessing psychobiological response to stress as a predictor of CBT outcomes for youth with mood disorders. We evaluated whether participation in a 10-session group-CBT intervention for mood disorders altered inflammatory response to a laboratory psychosocial stress induction and if this alteration in immune stress responsivity was related to a decrease in depressive symptoms. Thirty-four youth (age M = 15.03, SD = 1.91) diagnosed with BD or MDD participated in a 10-session CBT group and pre- and post-group assessments; twenty-eight participants who completed the group had usable cytokine data. Pre- and post-group assessments included stress induction with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) during which inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline (time 0) and after the TSST at 30, 60, and 90 min. Results suggest it is modestly feasible to measure immune response to stress alongside CBT treatment for adolescent mood disorders. Our findings were mixed; across seven cytokines, hierarchical linear models indicated two cytokines, IL6 and IL12, were sensitive to acute laboratory stress. We also found significant correlations between life stress, inflammation, and depression both pre- and post- CBT group. Inflammation pre-group, as measured by IL12 and IL1 β predicted depressive symptoms following treatment. Although we did not find significant within-subject reductions in inflammation, chronic stress predicted changes in IL β, signaling the central role of chronic stress. This study offers preliminary evidence that immune responsivity to stress induction could serve as a mechanism of treatment for mood disorders in youth, indicating a potential marker for more personalized model of healthcare.

Childhood factors associated with increased risk for mood episode recurrences in bipolar disorder-A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a recurrent illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. The frequency of mood episode recurrence in BD is highly heterogeneous and significantly impacts the person's psychosocial functioning and well-being. Understanding the factors associated with mood recurrences could inform the prognosis and treatment. The objective of this review is to summarize the literature on factors, present during childhood, that influence recurrence.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review of PubMed (1946-2017) and PsycINFO (1884-2017) databases was conducted to identify candidate studies. Search terms included bipolar disorder, episodes, predictors, recurrences, and course. Study characteristics, risk for bias, and factors associated with recurrence were coded by two raters according to predetermined criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty child studies and 28 adult studies that retrospectively evaluated childhood variables associated with mood recurrences were included. Early age of onset, low socioeconomic status, comorbid disorders, inter-episode subsyndromal mood symptoms, BD-I/II subtypes, presence of stressors, and family history of BD were associated with higher number of recurrences.

LIMITATIONS

Risk factors and mood recurrences were assessed and defined in different ways, limiting generalizability.

CONCLUSION

Multiple factors are associated with increased risk of mood episode recurrence in BD. Interventions targeting modifiable factors could reduce the impact of BD. For example, treatment of comorbid disorders and subsyndromal mood symptoms, coupled with appropriate cognitive behavioral and family-focused therapies could ameliorate risk related to many clinical factors. When coupled with social services to address environmental factors, the number of episodes could be reduced and the course of BD significantly improved.

Brief Emotion Focused Family Therapy: An Intervention for Parents of Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Issues

This study evaluated the 2-day intensive modality of Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). The intervention attempts to prepare parents to take a primary role in their child's recovery from a range of mental health issues. One hundred and twenty-four parents completed the intervention and provided data a week prior to intervention, post-intervention and at 4-month follow-up. Results include significantly reduced parent blocks and increased parental self-efficacy in relation to involvement in their child's recovery, as well as significant improvement in child symptomatology. The findings confirm positive results from an earlier pilot study involving eating disorders and demonstrate the potential for EFFT as an intervention for a range of clinical problems in children and youth.

Sleep alterations in pediatric bipolar disorder versus attention deficit disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share numerous clinical features, which can make the differential diagnosis challenging. Studies conducted in adults suggest that patients with BD and ADHD have different sleep patterns. However, in pediatric populations, data on these potential differences are scant. The present preliminary study was conducted to identify potential differences in sleep alterations among youths diagnosed with BD or ADHD compared to healthy controls (HC). A total of 26 patients diagnosed with BD (n = 13) or ADHD (n = 13) were compared to 26 sex- and age-matched HC ([HC_BD], n = 13, and [HC_ADHD], n = 13). All participants underwent polysomnography. The mean duration of stage N2 sleep was shorter in the BD group than in controls (HC_BD). The BD group also had higher (non-significant) REM density (REMd) scores than controls while mean REMd scores were lower in the ADHD group versus controls. Compared to the ADHD group, the BD group presented a shorter N2 stage, a longer first REM sleep duration (R1), and greater REMd. According to our findings, these three variables-N2 stage, REMd, and R1-appear to differentiate patients with BD from those with ADHD and from HC.

Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Applications for Suicide Prevention

Despite high rates of suicide ideation (SI) and behavior in youth with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), little work has examined how psychosocial interventions impact suicidality among this high-risk group. The current study examined SI outcomes in a randomized clinical trial comparing Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CFF-CBT) for PBD versus psychotherapy treatment-as-usual (TAU). Although not designed for suicide prevention, CFF-CBT addresses child and family factors related to suicide risk and thus was hypothesized to generalize to the treatment of suicidality. Participants included 71 youth aged 7-13 years (M = 9.17, SD = 1.60) with DSM-IV-TR bipolar I, II, or not otherwise specified randomly assigned, with parent(s), to receive CFF-CBT or TAU. Both treatments consisted of 12 weekly and 6 monthly booster sessions. Suicide ideation was assessed via clinician interview at baseline, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. Results indicated that SI was prevalent pretreatment: 39% of youth reported current suicidal thoughts. All youth significantly improved in the likelihood and intensity of ideation across treatment, but group differences were not significant. Thus, findings suggest that early intervention for these high-risk youth may reduce SI, and at this stage of suicidality, youth may be responsive to even nonspecialized treatment.

Developmental evaluation of family functioning deficits in youths and young adults with childhood-onset bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious condition that affects the patient and family. While research has documented familial dysfunction in individuals with BD, no studies have compared developmental differences in family functioning in youths with BD vs. adults with prospectively verified childhood-onset BD.

METHODS

The Family Assessment Device (FAD) was used to examine family functioning in participants with childhood-onset BD (n = 116) vs. healthy controls (HCs) (n = 108), ages 7-30 years, using multivariate analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Participants with BD had significantly worse family functioning in all domains (problem solving, communication, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behavior control, general functioning) compared to HCs, regardless of age, IQ, and socioeconomic status. Post-hoc analyses suggested no influence for mood state, global functioning, comorbidity, and most medications, despite youths with BD presenting with greater severity in these areas than adults. Post-hoc tests eliminating participants taking lithium (n = 17) showed a significant diagnosis-by-age interaction: youths with BD had worse family problem solving and communication relative to HCs.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the cross-sectional design, clinical differences in youths vs. adults with BD, ambiguity in FAD instructions, participant-only report of family functioning, and lack of data on psychosocial treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial dysfunction is common in childhood-onset BD and endures into adulthood. Early identification and treatment of both individual and family impairments is crucial. Further investigation into multi-level, family-based mechanisms underlying childhood-onset BD may clarify the role family factors play in the disorder, and offer avenues for the development of novel, family-focused therapeutic strategies.

Symptom Dimensions and Trajectories of Functioning Among Bipolar Youth: A Cluster Analysis

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of pediatric bipolar disorder (BD) is important for allocating appropriate treatment, but it is complicated by significant heterogeneity in symptom presentation and high rates of comorbidity. Investigating clinical subtypes of the disorder may help to clarify diagnostic boundaries and inform targeted treatment. This study used a full diagnostic instrument to examine symptom patterns among youth with BD.

METHOD

Trained interviewers completed the Washington University Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (WASH-U-KSADS) with 71 children (7 to 13 y of age) and families as part of the baseline assessment for a randomized clinical trial of Child- and Family-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CFF-CBT) compared with treatment as usual (TAU) for pediatric BD. All participants met DSM-IV-TR criteria for a bipolar spectrum disorder. Hierarchical and K-means cluster analyses were performed. Resultant clusters were compared on symptom severity and psychosocial functioning at baseline and across treatment.

RESULTS

Two distinct symptom profiles emerged: "dysregulated/defiant" and "classic presentation." The dysregulated/defiant cluster was characterized by more externalizing and disruptive behaviors, whereas the classic cluster presented with more severe depression, hallmark manic symptoms, anxiety, and inattention. CFF-CBT consistently promoted psychosocial coping skills, such as problem solving and self-control, for the dysregulated/defiant cluster. TAU also promoted these skills among the individuals in the classic presentation group but not those with symptoms in the dysregulated/defiant cluster.

DISCUSSION

Pediatric BD may be characterized by distinct phenotypes with unique etiologies and pathways to impairment. The use of a parametric approach to classify the diverse symptom presentations helped yield valuable insights into how to promote the best prognosis for improved functional outcomes in CFF-CBT versus TAU for youth with pediatric BD.

Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: Characteristics and Outcomes in the Clinic

OBJECTIVE

To assess patient characteristics and clinician-rated outcomes for children diagnosed with early-onset bipolar disorder in comparison to a depressive disorders cohort from a single clinic site. To assess predictors of bipolar treatment response.

METHODS

Medical records from 714 consecutive pediatric patients evaluated and treated at an academic tertiary child and adolescent psychiatry clinic between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed. Charts of bipolar children (n = 49) and children with depressive disorders (n = 58) meeting study inclusion/exclusion criteria were compared on variables assessing clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes. Outcomes were assessed by using pre- and post-Clinical Global Impressions (CGI)-Severity and Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) scores, and a CGI-Improvement score ≤2 at final visit determined responder status. Bipolar outcome predictors were assessed by using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Clinic prevalence rates were 6.9% for early-onset bipolar disorder and 1.5% for very early-onset bipolar disorder. High rates of comorbid diagnoses, symptom severity, parental stress, and child high-risk behaviors were found in both groups. The bipolar cohort had higher rates of aggression and higher lifetime systems of care utilization. The final CGI and CGAS outcomes for unipolar depression patients differed statistically significantly from those for the bipolar cohort, reflecting better clinical status and more improvement at outcome for the depression patients. Both parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist total T-score at clinic admission and the number of lifetime systems-of-care for the child were significantly and inversely associated with improvement for the bipolar cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Early-onset bipolar disorder is a complex and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. Evidence-based treatment should emphasize psychopharmacology with adjunctive family and individual psychotherapy. Strategies to improve engagement in treatment may be especially important. Given high rates of high-risk behaviors in these youth, regular mental health follow-up to assess safety is important. Additional evidence-based treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder are needed.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force report on pediatric bipolar disorder: Knowledge to date and directions for future research

OBJECTIVES

Over the past two decades, there has been tremendous growth in research regarding bipolar disorder (BD) among children and adolescents (ie, pediatric BD [PBD]). The primary purpose of this article is to distill the extant literature, dispel myths or exaggerated assertions in the field, and disseminate clinically relevant findings.

METHODS

An international group of experts completed a selective review of the literature, emphasizing areas of consensus, identifying limitations and gaps in the literature, and highlighting future directions to mitigate these gaps.

RESULTS

Substantial, and increasingly international, research has accumulated regarding the phenomenology, differential diagnosis, course, treatment, and neurobiology of PBD. Prior division around the role of irritability and of screening tools in diagnosis has largely abated. Gold-standard pharmacologic trials inform treatment of manic/mixed episodes, whereas fewer data address bipolar depression and maintenance/continuation treatment. Adjunctive psychosocial treatment provides a forum for psychoeducation and targets primarily depressive symptoms. Numerous neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies, and increasing peripheral biomarker studies, largely converge with prior findings from adults with BD.

CONCLUSIONS

As data have accumulated and controversy has dissipated, the field has moved past existential questions about PBD toward defining and pursuing pressing clinical and scientific priorities that remain. The overall body of evidence supports the position that perceptions about marked international (US vs elsewhere) and developmental (pediatric vs adult) differences have been overstated, although additional research on these topics is warranted. Traction toward improved outcomes will be supported by continued emphasis on pathophysiology and novel therapeutics.

Quality of life in children and adolescents with bipolar I depression treated with olanzapine/fluoxetine combination

BACKGROUND

We examined the efficacy of olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (OFC) in improving health-related quality of life (QoL) in the treatment of bipolar depression in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Patients aged 10-17 years with bipolar I disorder, depressed episode, baseline children's depression rating scale-revised (CDRS-R) total score ≥40, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score ≤15, and YMRS-item 1 ≤ 2 were randomized to OFC (6/25-12/50 mg/day olanzapine/fluoxetine; n = 170) or placebo (n = 85) for up to 8 weeks of double-blind treatment. Patients and parents completed the revised KINDL questionnaire for measuring health-related QoL in children and adolescents (KINDL-R) at baseline and endpoint. The mean change in CDRS-R total and item scores were used to compare improvement in symptomatology in patients taking OFC and placebo. Tests were 2-sided using a Type I error cutoff of 0.05, and no adjustments for multiple comparisons were made.

RESULTS

Baseline QoL as measured by the KINDL-R was substantially impaired relative to published norms for a healthy school-based sample. OFC-treated patients demonstrated an improvement over placebo at endpoint with respect to mean change from baseline in the patient-rated KINDL-R Self-esteem subscale score (p = 0.028), and in the parent KINDL-R ratings of emotional well-being (p = 0.020), Self-esteem (p = 0.030), and Family (p = 0.006). At endpoint, OFC-treated patients still had a lower QoL compared to the normative population. OFC showed significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) versus placebo on the CDRS-R total score and on 7 of the 17 CDRS-R items.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients aged 10-17 years with an acute episode of bipolar depression and their parents reported greater improvements (parents noticed improvements in more areas than did their offspring) on some aspects of QoL when treated with OFC compared with placebo. However, after 8 weeks of treatment, KINDL-R endpoint scores remained lower than those of the, presumably healthy, control population. Clinical trial registration information A Study for Assessing Treatment of Patients Ages 10-17 with Bipolar Depression; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00844857.

Empirically supported psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder: Current state of the research

OBJECTIVES

Bipolar disorder requires psychiatric medications, but even guideline-concordant treatment fails to bring many patients to remission or keep them euthymic. To address this gap, researchers have developed adjunctive psychotherapies. The purpose of this paper is to critically review the evidence for the efficacy of manualized psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We conducted a search of the literature to examine recent (2007-present), randomized controlled studies of the following psychotherapy interventions for bipolar disorder: psychoeducation (PE), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and family therapies such as family focused therapy (FFT).

RESULTS

All of the psychotherapy interventions appear to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Psychoeducation and CBT are associated with increased time to mood episode relapse or recurrence. MBCT has demonstrated a particular effectiveness in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms. Online psychotherapy interventions, programs combining one or more psychotherapy interventions, and targeted interventions centering on particular symptoms have been the focus of recent, randomized controlled studies in bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotherapy interventions for the treatment of bipolar disorder have substantial evidence for efficacy. The next challenge will to disseminate these psychotherapies into the community.

Mediators in the randomized trial of Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder

Mediation analyses can identify mechanisms of change in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, few studies have analyzed mediators of CBT for youth internalizing disorders; only one trial evaluated treatment mechanisms for youth with mixed mood diagnoses. This study evaluated mediators in the randomized trial of Child- and Family-Focused CBT (CFF-CBT) versus Treatment As Usual (TAU) for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), adjunctive to pharmacotherapy. Sixty-nine children ages 7-13 with PBD were randomly assigned to CFF-CBT or TAU. Primary outcomes (child mood, functioning) and candidate mediators (family functioning, parent/child coping) were assessed at baseline and 4-, 8-, 12- (post-treatment), and 39-weeks (follow-up). Compared with TAU, children receiving CFF-CBT exhibited greater improvement in mania, depression, and global functioning. Several parent and family factors significantly improved in response to CFF-CBT versus TAU, and were associated with the CFF-CBT treatment effect. Specifically, parenting skills and coping, family flexibility, and family positive reframing showed promise as mediators of child mood symptoms and global functioning. Main or mediating effects for youth coping were not significant. CFF-CBT may impact children's mood and functioning by improving parenting skills and coping, family flexibility, and family positive reframing. Findings highlight the importance of parent coping and family functioning in the treatment of PBD.

Cognitive vulnerabilities and development of suicidal thinking in children of depressed mothers: A longitudinal investigation

Although children of depressed parents are at heightened risk for suicidal ideation, little is known about specific risk factors. This study focused on the relation between a broad range of cognitive vulnerabilities proposed by the leading cognitive theories and the development of suicidal ideation in children. Participants were 209 mothers (aged 24-55) and their 8-14 year old children. Children of depressed mothers who had previously experienced suicidal ideation themselves reported higher levels of brooding rumination than children of depressed mothers who had not experienced suicidal ideation as well as children of never depressed mothers who had not experienced suicidal ideation. Further, among children of depressed mothers with no prior history of suicidal ideation, higher levels of hopelessness and lower global self-worth predicted first onset of suicidal ideation over a 2-year follow-up. Importantly, these results were maintained even after taking the occurrence of major depressive disorder in children during the follow-up into account. The findings highlight specific cognitive vulnerabilities that could be targeted in early suicide prevention and intervention efforts.

Pilot Effectiveness Evaluation of Community-Based Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy for Childhood Mood Disorders

Several psychosocial, family-focused Evidence-Based Treatments (EBTs) for youth with disruptive behavior have proven effective in practice settings. However, limited research has examined community implementation of EBTs for pediatric depression and bipolar disorder. This pilot open trial evaluated Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP) with 41 children ages 7 to 12 (54% male, 92% Caucasian) with mood disorders and their parents in an outpatient setting. MF-PEP is an 8-session, adjunctive EBT with parallel child and parent groups. Fourteen community therapists facilitated six MF-PEP groups at three agencies over two years. Developed checklists were used to evaluate adherence. Clinical outcomes were measured via clinician assessment and self-report questionnaires at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up, and analyzed via hierarchical linear modeling. Therapist group adherence ranged from 66.71% to 78.68% (M = 72.14%, SD = 4.85). Children experienced significant improvement in depressive and manic symptoms, and parents reported a significant increase in knowledge of mood disorders. Children with bipolar disorder and families with limited treatment history benefitted most from MF-PEP. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranged from small to large for mood outcomes (d = 0.34 to 1.18), knowledge (d = 1.02), and treatment beliefs (d = 0.04 to 0.41). Limitations included small sample, missing data, and open design. Results suggest that MF-PEP may be impactful for families affected by pediatric mood disorders in the community, especially among youth with bipolar disorder and families novice to treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to provide more definitive evidence for the effectiveness of MF-PEP in practice settings.

Correlates of Adolescent-reported and Parent-reported Family Conflict Among Canadian Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

BACKGROUND

Family conflict exacerbates the course of bipolar disorder (BP) among adults. However, few studies have examined family conflict among adolescents with BP, and fewer have looked at adolescent-reported and parent-reported family conflict separately.

METHODS

Subjects were 89 adolescents, aged 13 to 19 years, with a diagnosis of BP on the basis of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (KSADS-PL). Subjects were divided into high-conflict and low-conflict groups using a median split on the Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (child report and parent report). The χ(2) analyses and independent samples t tests were performed for univariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on variables with P<0.2.

RESULTS

Parent-reported and adolescent-reported Conflict Behavior Questionnaire scores were significantly correlated (r=0.50, P<0.001). High parent-reported family conflict was positively associated with recent manic symptoms, externalizing comorbidities, and dimensional scores reflecting emotional dysregulation. High adolescent-reported family conflict was positively associated with recent manic symptoms and emotional dysregulation, and negatively associated with socioeconomic status and lifetime psychiatric hospitalization. Bipolar subtype was significantly associated with high versus low family conflict.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of this study included being a cross-sectional study, use of a medium-sized sample, and lack of a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial agreement between adolescents and parents regarding the amount of family conflict, there were meaningful differences in the factors associated with adolescent-reported and parent-reported conflict. These findings demonstrate the importance of ascertaining family conflict from adolescents as well as from parents. Moreover, these findings can potentially inform family therapy, which is known to be effective for adolescents with BP.

A feasibility study of a Family Focused Treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder-the FAB study

Background

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial of Family Focused Treatment for Adolescents UK (FFT-A UK) in the management of early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) (under 18 years). The FFT-A has been evaluated in the USA to augment the pharmacological treatment of adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD). The FFT-A UK has been condensed to 16 sessions over approximately 6 months to be utilised within the UK National Health Service.

Research from the USA suggests that families experience high levels of distress, stress, burden and family disharmony when living with a young person who has BD. The FFT-A UK is a family-based approach designed to increase understanding of BD (psycho-education), improve communication and increase ability to problem-solve.

Methods/Design

The trial will examine the feasibility of a randomised, parallel group, non-blinded design and the procedures of a subsequent definitive trial. Thirty-three young people with BD and their families will be recruited. Participants will complete measures at baseline, on completion of the 6-month treatment and again after a further 6 months. The self-report measures include the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, The McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD), Conflict Behaviour Questionnaire aka ‘Interaction Behaviour Questionnaire’, EuroQuol EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-Y. Primary outcomes will be rates of eligibility, recruitment and retention, estimates of the variability in the self-report measures and assessment of the intervention delivery in the study population. Participants’ qualitative views on the measures and intervention will be sought to confirm the acceptability of intervention and study design. The health economics component will establish how cost-effectiveness will be assessed in a future definitive trial.

Discussion

The study will produce a full trial protocol and amendments to the FFT-A UK to inform a well-designed multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in the management of EOBD.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN59769322

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Individual Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Youth with Subsyndromal Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study evaluates efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (Ω3), individual family psychoeducational psychotherapy (IF-PEP), and their combination in youth with subsyndromal bipolar disorders (bipolar disorder not otherwise specified [BP-NOS], cyclothymic disorder [CYC]).

METHODS

This study was a 12 week, randomized trial of Ω3 versus placebo and IF-PEP versus active monitoring (AM) using a 2 × 2 design (Ω3 + PEP: n = 5; Ω3 + AM: n = 5; placebo + PEP: n = 7; placebo + AM: n = 6). Twenty-three youth ages 7-14 with BP-NOS or CYC were recruited via community advertisements and clinician referrals. Participants could be taking stable medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep aids, but no other psychotropics. Independent evaluators assessed participants at screen, baseline, and 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders (K-SADS) Depression (KDRS) and Mania (KMRS) Rating Scales, Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Ω3/placebo conditions were double-blind; independent evaluators were blind to psychotherapy condition.

RESULTS

Most participants (83%) completed the 12 week trial. Side effects were uncommon and mild. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated significant improvement in depressive symptoms (KDRS) for combined treatment relative to placebo and AM (p = 0.01, d = 1.70). Across groups, manic symptoms improved over time without significant treatment effects. Effect of IF-PEP on child depression compared with AM was medium (d = 0.63, CDRS-R) to large (d = 1.24, KDRS). Effect of Ω3 on depression was medium (d = 0.48, KDRS).

CONCLUSION

IF-PEP and Ω3 are well tolerated and associated with improved mood symptoms among youth with BP-NOS and CYC. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01507753.

Family-Based Interventions for Childhood Mood Disorders

Childhood mood disorders are associated with substantial impairment and risks for youth and their families. Identifying interventions that improve child and family functioning is essential for child, family, and public health. Several individual therapy modalities have been developed with historically little attention on family participation. However, with the accumulation of research demonstrating the roles family interactions can play in symptom presentation and course, interventions that include family involvement are garnering more attention and have demonstrated promising benefits for children with mood disorders. This article reviews evidence-based family-focused interventions for childhood mood disorders and provides examples of their implementation.

Cognitive and family correlates of current suicidal ideation in children with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Suicidality among youth with bipolar disorder is an extreme, but largely unaddressed, public health problem. The current study examined the psychosocial characteristics differentiating youth with varying severities of suicidal ideation that may dictate targets for suicide prevention interventions.

METHODS

Participants included 72 youth aged 7-13 (M=9.19, SD=1.61) with DSM-IV-TR bipolar I, II, or NOS and a parent/caregiver. Current suicidal ideation and correlates were assessed at intake, including: demographics and clinical factors (diagnosis, symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity); child factors (cognitive risk and quality of life); and family factors (parenting stress, family cohesion, and family rigidity).

RESULTS

Current ideation was prevalent in this young sample: 41% endorsed any ideation, and 31% endorsed active forms. Depression symptoms, quality of life, hopelessness, self-esteem, and family rigidity differentiated youth with increasing ideation severity. Separate logistic regressions examined all significant child- and family-level factors, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Greater family rigidity and lower self-esteem remained significant predictors of current planful ideation. Diagnosis, index episode, comorbidity, and mania severity did not differentiate non-ideators from those with current ideation.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the small sample to examine low base-rate severe ideation, cross-sectional analyses and generalizability of findings beyond the outpatient clinical sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings underscore the importance of assessing and addressing suicidality in preadolescent youth with bipolar disorder, before youth progress to more severe suicidal behaviors. Results also highlight child self-esteem and family rigidity as key treatment targets to reduce suicide risk in pediatric bipolar disorder.

Treatment moderators of child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

Prior work has demonstrated the efficacy of child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CFF-CBT) versus enhanced treatment as usual (TAU; unstructured psychotherapy) for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). The current study builds on primary findings by examining baseline child, parent, and family characteristics as moderators of symptom response trajectories.

METHOD

A total of 69 youth aged 7 to 13 years (mean = 9.19 years, SD = 1.61 years) with DSM-IV-TR bipolar I, II, or not otherwise specified (NOS) were randomly assigned, with family members, to CFF-CBT or TAU. Both treatments consisted of 12 weekly sessions and 6 monthly booster sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and 6-month follow-up on mania and depression symptoms and overall psychiatric severity. Parents and youth also provided self-report data on baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

CFF-CBT demonstrated greater efficacy for youth depressive symptoms relative to TAU for parents with higher baseline depressive symptoms and lower income, and marginally for families with higher cohesion. In addition, youth with lower baseline depression and youth with higher self-esteem showed a poorer response to TAU versus CFF-CBT on mania symptom outcomes. Age, sex, baseline mania symptoms, comorbidity, and suicidality did not moderate treatment response.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that CFF-CBT was relatively immune to the presence of treatment moderators. Findings suggest the need for specialized treatment to address symptoms of PBD in the context of parental symptomatology and financial stress.