Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Compassionate-focused Intervention for Older People with Bipolar Disorder

This research is exploring a new type of talking therapy called compassionate-focused therapy for older people (60+) who live with bipolar disorder. The main goal is to find out if this 9-session therapy is practical and helpful for individuals with Bipolar I or II. Participants will be asked to complete some questionnaires at the beginning, and then again after 12 and 24 weeks, to help the researchers understand if the therapy has any positive effects. Specifically, they want to see if it can reduce negative thinking patterns, such as constant worrying (rumination), feelings of guilt, and feelings of shame. This is the first study of its kind for this group of people.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Bipolar Disorder I or II

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a new way to help older people who have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects your mood, causing shifts between very high energy (mania or hypomania) and very low energy (depression). Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder can get caught in cycles of negative thoughts, such as constantly replaying things in their mind (rumination) or feeling overly guilty and ashamed.

The researchers want to see if a special type of talking therapy, called 'compassionate-focused therapy', can be a good fit for people aged 60 and over with bipolar disorder. This therapy aims to help people develop kindness and understanding towards themselves, which can be very helpful for managing difficult thoughts and feelings. They are especially interested in whether this type of therapy can reduce those unhelpful patterns of rumination, guilt, and shame.

At the moment, there hasn't been much research into this specific therapy for older adults with bipolar disorder. This study will help us understand if it's a practical option to offer and if it could make a real difference in people's lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new talking therapy for older people with bipolar disorder.
It aims to reduce unhelpful thinking patterns like rumination, guilt, and shame.
Participation involves 9 therapy sessions and follow-up assessments over 6 months.
You must be 60 or over and have Bipolar I or II to be eligible.
You won't need to change your current medications for the study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 60 years old. You must have a diagnosis of Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder, which will be confirmed by the study doctors. It's also important that you have a healthcare professional, like your GP or care coordinator, who knows about your care.

There are a few things that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you are currently experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode (a period of very high energy or irritability), or if you are going through a severe depressive episode, you wouldn't be able to take part right now. Also, if you are already having another type of talking therapy, or if you have certain memory or thinking problems, you wouldn't be suitable for this study.

Finally, to make sure you can fully take part in the therapy and answer the study questions, you need to be able to speak and understand English well enough.

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 60 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder?
Do you have a GP or care coordinator who can be consulted?
Are you currently not experiencing a manic or severe depressive episode?
Are you able to speak and understand English well enough for therapy and assessments?
Are you not currently receiving other psychological therapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will first have a meeting with the study team to check if you are suitable. If you are, you will then complete some questionnaires and assessments. These will help the researchers understand your current feelings and thoughts before you start the therapy.

You will then have 9 sessions of compassionate-focused therapy. These sessions will help you learn new ways to manage your thoughts and feelings. After the therapy finishes, you'll be asked to complete the same questionnaires and assessments again, first after 12 weeks and then after 24 weeks. This helps the researchers see if the therapy has had any lasting effects. You won't need to change any of your current medications while on the study unless your doctor advises it. The total duration of your involvement, including follow-up, will be about 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you would receive a new talking therapy specifically designed to help with difficult thoughts and feelings associated with bipolar disorder, such as rumination, guilt, and shame. It might offer new ways to cope and improve your well-being. The main risks are the time commitment required for the sessions and assessments, and occasionally, talking about your feelings can be emotionally challenging. However, the therapy is designed to be supportive. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is compassionate-focused therapy?

It's a type of talking therapy that helps you develop kindness and understanding towards yourself, especially when dealing with difficult thoughts and emotions.

How long does the therapy last?

The therapy involves 9 sessions.

Do I need to stop my current medication?

No, you don't need to stop or change your usual medication to take part in this study, unless your own doctor recommends it.

What happens after the therapy sessions finish?

You'll be asked to complete some follow-up questionnaires 12 weeks and 24 weeks after the therapy ends to see how you're doing.

Will my GP know I'm taking part?

Yes, you need to have a nominated healthcare professional, like your GP or care coordinator, who is aware of your participation.

How to find out more

Imogen J Young, DClinPsy / MSc / BSc

imogen.young@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk 447982314026 Official trial record

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