RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Multimodal Intervention to Support Hospital-to-Community Transition in Bipolar Disorder

This study looks at a new way to help young people with bipolar disorder (BD) when they leave the hospital. Often, support in the community isn't specific enough, leading to people getting unwell again. This research aims to create a better transition. The plan includes group sessions where people learn about BD, one-on-one support from someone who has lived experience with BD, and advice for their local healthcare team. This study wants to find out if this approach is practical, acceptable to patients and doctors, and if it might help people understand their condition better, stick to their treatments, and manage their symptoms effectively after leaving hospital. It's an early step to improve care for those in the first stages of BD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Bipolar Disorder (BD)Psychosis

What is this study about?

When someone with bipolar disorder leaves the hospital, it can be a challenging time. They might struggle to find the right support in their local community, which can sometimes lead to them feeling unwell again and needing to go back to the hospital. This happens partly because local services often don't have enough specific knowledge or resources for bipolar disorder, even though expert advice suggests combining medication with other types of support.

This study, called "Multimodal Intervention to Support Hospital-to-Community Transition in Bipolar Disorder," is looking for a better way to help young adults (aged 18-35) with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. It's a pilot study, which means it's one of the first times this specific approach is being tried. The main goal is to see if a structured care plan can make the move from hospital to home smoother and more successful. This plan aims to help people understand their illness better, stick to their treatments, and manage their symptoms in their daily lives.

The special care plan in this study involves three main parts: group learning sessions about bipolar disorder, individual support from someone who has personal experience with the condition (a "peer"), and personalised advice for the participant's local doctor or healthcare provider. This support for doctors helps them understand the latest guidance and gives them tools to help their patients. By testing this plan, the researchers hope to gather important information that can lead to bigger studies and ultimately improve long-term care for people with bipolar disorder.

Key takeaways

New study for young adults (18-35) with recent bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Aims to improve transition from hospital to community care.
Includes group learning, individual peer support, and guidance for your local doctor.
Lasts for 6 months with regular check-ins.
Helps you understand your condition better and manage symptoms.
It's a pilot study to see if the approach is practical and helpful.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 35 years old. You must have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the last two years. It's also important that you have experienced psychosis (which can involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or had difficulty understanding your illness when joining the study. You also need to be able to speak and understand English so you can take part in the sessions.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have another severe mental health condition that would stop you from safely taking part, or if you have significant memory or thinking problems. Also, if you have an ongoing problem with drug or alcohol misuse that might make it hard to stick to the study plan, or if you're already in another similar learning or support program, you might not be eligible. The aim is to make sure everyone who joins can fully and safely benefit from the study activities.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the last two years?
Have you experienced psychosis or had trouble understanding your illness?
Can you speak and understand English?
Do you feel you can safely take part in group and individual sessions?
Are you not currently in another similar mental health support program?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will last for about six months. You'll take part in different activities designed to help you. First, there will be group learning sessions led by a healthcare professional, about six sessions in total spread over up to eight weeks. You'll also have one-on-one support from a "peer mentor" – someone with their own experience of bipolar disorder. These individual sessions will happen about twice a month, adding up to around twelve sessions over the six months.

Your local doctor or healthcare provider can also receive support from the study team. This involves two meetings over the six months where they'll get advice on best practices and access to a tool that helps with treatment decisions. You'll have three main check-ins or assessment appointments: one at the very beginning (baseline), one after the group learning sessions are finished, and a final one at the end of the six months. At these appointments, you and the clinicians will answer questions and complete surveys to see how things are going. No specific medications are given as part of this study, but your existing treatment will continue.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your bipolar disorder, learning new ways to manage your symptoms, and feeling more connected through peer support. The special support for your doctor could also improve your ongoing care. While every study has some potential risks, these are generally expected to be low. You might find some of the group discussions or personal reflections challenging, or it could take time out of your week. Your personal information will be kept private. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to test a new supportive plan to help young people with bipolar disorder move successfully from hospital back to their community, in an aim to help them stay well.

Who is eligible to join?

You can join if you are 18-35 years old, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the last two years, have experienced psychosis or insight issues, and speak English.

What kind of support is offered?

The study offers group learning sessions, one-on-one support from someone with personal experience of bipolar disorder, and guidance for your local doctor.

How long does the study last?

The study activities and follow-up will last for about six months.

Will I have to change my medication?

No, this study does not involve changing your medication. You will continue with your current treatments as advised by your doctors.

How to find out more

Fabiano A. Gomes, MD, Ph.D.

gomesfs@mcmaster.ca 905-522-1155 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.