Study Efficacy of Enhancing Cognitive Reserve in Patients With a First Bipolar Episode (NCT06081634) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Study Efficacy of Enhancing Cognitive Reserve in Patients With a First Bipolar Episode
Spain120 participantsStarted 2019-01-01
Plain-language summary
This study aims to adapt and apply a psychological program aimed at improving cognitive reserve (CR) in bipolar patients who have recently presented a first episode of the illness. The purpose of this project is to test both the effectiveness of the psychological intervention as well as the stability of the obtained results after nine months of follow-up. One-hundred and twenty patients (60 patients each centre) will be recruited and assessed with clinical, functioning, quality of life, neuropsychological and RC assessment tools. Then, participants will be randomly assigned to two different conditions: the experimental one, consisting in the implementation of the psychological intervention aiming at improving CR (n=60), and the control one, in which the usual pharmacological treatment will be carried on (n=60). Once the psychological intervention has finished (3 months) re-assessment of all the explored variables at baseline will be performed. Finally, after 12 months from the baseline visit, a re-assessment of all the participants in the study will be carried out to verify that post-intervention obtained results remain stable throughout the complete follow-up period. The investigators hypothesized that patients with a recent first episode who have undergone the intervention program will improve their CR as well as measures related to the severity of the difficulties observed at baseline concerning clinical, functioning, quality of life and neurocognitive performance. A second hypotheses is that all these changes will remain stable after nine month follow-up.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients between 18 and 40 years of age whose disease onset (first episode) is within the last 5 years.
* Fulfill diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder (type I or type II) or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) based on a semi-structured clinical interview.
* Patients in clinical remission or partial remission at the time of assessment, defined as scores ≤ 10 on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) (Young, 1978) and ≤ 14 points on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) (Hamilton, 1960).
* Signed informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Estimated IQ less than 85.
* Any medical condition that may affect neuropsychological performance (such as neurological diseases).
* Presence of any comorbid psychiatric condition (except substance use/abuse).
* Patients who have received any type of psychological intervention in the 6 months prior to the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.