Family Focused Treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder
What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to measure how effective Family Focused Treatment (FFT) is when used with bipolar disorder diagnosed adolescents. FFT is a skill building, educational process, used while participants are taking their prescribed medication. FFT sessions work with families to teach them about the emotional, mental and physical parts of bipolar disorder, and provide them with helpful daily coping skills.
Who will be included in this study?
Adolescents 13 to 17 years old diagnosed with bipolar disease may qualify for the study.
What is involved?
This study lasts for 2 years and includes:
- up to 26 visits
- A family interview - to determine if the family qualifies for the study by answering questions regarding, mood, treatment history, school performance, drugs, alcohol, social and family function. The interviews will be audio taped and can last up to several hours.
- Follow up sessions will occur every 3 months the first year and every 6 months the second year.
What are the benefits?
Your child may receive no direct benefit from participating in this study. The biggest benefit is that your child may be helping other children. Clinical studies are essential in finding new and improved treatments and diagnostic tools.
Will I get all the facts about the study?
Parents interested in having their child participate will be given a consent form that thoroughly explains all of the details of the study. It goes over all of the procedures, the risks, the benefits, the compensation, who to contact with questions or concerns, and more. A member of the study staff will review the consent form with you and will be sure that all of your questions are answered. Study procedures will not begin until a parent/guardian has signed this form and, if of age, the child has given at minimum his/her verbal agreement.
What are the risks?
Family interaction (the way in which you communicate with each other) may change as a result of taking part in this study.
What is the compensation?
Participants will receive $40 for the intake interview and $20 for additional monitoring visits for up to a total amount of $280.
Who should I contact for more information?
Peggy Sweeney
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 3014
Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039
Phone: (513) 636-0160
margaret.sweeney@cchmc.org
