CBT for Problematic Impulsive Behaviours in Bipolar Disorder: A Case Series / CBT-PIB

Last updated: April 25, 2025
Sponsor: University of Exeter
Overall Status: Suspended

Phase

N/A

Condition

Mood Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

Manic Disorders

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Problematic Impulsive Behaviours

Clinical Study ID

NCT06129500
2022-23-07
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this case series is to explore whether a talking therapy, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is acceptable and feasible in the management of mood-driven impulsive behaviours in people with bipolar disorder (BD).

The main questions it aims to answer are:

  • Whether CBT Is a feasible intervention for participants with BD who report mood-driven, problematic impulsive behaviours.

  • Whether CBT for mood-driven, problematic impulsive behaviours (CBT-PIB) is acceptable to service users with BD and therapists.

  • Whether clinical outcomes are consistent with the potential for this novel intervention to offer clinical benefit to participants with BD.

The study also hopes to:

  • conduct a preliminary examination of the safety of CBT-PIB and the research procedures.

  • gather information on the potential mechanisms of action of CBT-PIB and,

  • gather information on the types of mood-driven impulsive behaviours individuals with BD may seek support for.

Participants will:

  • be offered up to 12 individual sessions of CBT focusing on mood-driven impulsive behaviours.

  • be asked to complete a battery of self-report measures (5) when they enter the study and at the start and end of treatment.

  • be asked to track mood and impulsive behaviours by completing a brief set of measures (3) weekly during the two-week baseline phase, the intervention phase and the 2-week post-intervention phase.

  • be asked to complete a survey on the acceptability of the intervention and

  • be invited to an optional semi-structured interview on their research experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • meeting diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or II Disorder (SCID-5- Structuredclinical interview for depression )

  • able to identify at least one impulsive, problematic behaviour to target during theintervention;

  • participants will require working knowledge of written and spoken English,sufficient to be able to make use of therapy and to be able complete researchassessments without the need of a translator.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • major depressive episode (identified through SCID-DSM-5);

  • current experience of mania;

  • current/past learning disability (IQ of less than 70 with impairment of social andadaptive functioning)

  • organic brain change or substance dependence (drugs and alcohol) that wouldcompromise ability to use therapy;

  • current marked risk to self (i.e. self-harm or suicide) that we deem could not beappropriately managed in by the therapy site;

  • currently lacking capacity to give informed consent;

  • currently receiving other psychosocial therapy for impulsivity or bipolar disorder;

  • current engagement in another psychological intervention addressing bipolar disorderor impulsivity;

  • presence of another area of difficulty that the therapist and client believe shouldbe the primary focus of intervention (for example, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,psychosis).

Study Design

Total Participants: 10
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Problematic Impulsive Behaviours
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 17, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
January 24, 2027

Connect with a study center

  • AccEPT Clinic

    Exeter, Devon EX4 4QG
    United Kingdom

    Site Not Available

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