https://pittplusme.org/study/969
BEAM Study – Adults with Bipolar Disorder
STUDY BASICS
Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Are you the parent of a child aged 10-14 who has mood swings? If so, your child may be able to participate in a research study looking at the impact of mindfulness on controlling moods and emotions. Your child will be compensated for participation.
STUDY PURPOSE
Some children with a family history of bipolar disorder have trouble controlling their moods and emotions, and are at risk for developing the disorder themselves. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the impact of a mindfulness intervention on mood and emotion in children with a family history of bipolar disorder. Mindfulness is a way that people can learn to be more aware and accepting of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be helpful in children and adolescents, particularly helping them to deal with stress.COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 21 and up
- Diagnosed with bipolar disorder
- Parent of a child aged 10-14 who has mood swings but has NOT been diagnosed with bipolar disorder
- Child is right-handed
- Child is willing and able to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic, does not wear braces)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves four parts. During an initial 1-2 hour visit, you and your child will answer questions and learn more about the study. Children will also participate in a 60-90 minute mindfulness group held once a week for eight weeks. During these sessions, your child will participate in activities designed to promote present moment awareness to breathing or sensations. Children will also have one or two additional visits, each lasting approximately 2-3 hours, spaced about two months apart. During these visits, your child will have fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans to better understand brain activity. fMRI scans are non-invasive and do not use radiation. Three months after the Mindfulness Group had ended, your child will be asked to return to answer questions and give feedback on the group sessions.IRB: STUDY20070326C
- Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Target Mood Lability in Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder
MEET THE RESEARCHERS
Danella Hafeman
Danella M. Hafeman, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Hafeman’s research focuses on youth with and at-risk for bipolar disorder. She is interested in understanding clinical and neural mechanisms of risk and resilience, with the goal of eventually preventing mood disorders in these youth. Clinically, she works as a child psychiatrist in the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services clinic, where she evaluates and treats youth with and at-risk for bipolar disorder.
Tina R. Goldstein
Tina Goldstein, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Goldstein is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she received her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Goldstein’s research interests include the assessment and psychological treatment of youth with, and at-risk for, mood disorders and suicide.
MEET THE COORDINATOR
Ronna Currie
Ronna L. Currie, BS, is a Research Coordinator in the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services Clinic with over 12 years of experience working for Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. In that capacity, she has had the opportunity to meet hundreds of children and their families, and contribute to a longitudinal research study to better understand familial risk of bipolar disorder. She is also a mother and enjoys volunteering at school.