CompletedInterventional

Online integrated bipolar parenting intervention study

Parenting with bipolar disorder can be challenging. Many parents find the mood changes make consistent family routines difficult, yet they may feel nervous about asking for parenting help. This study is testing an online support programme called the Integrated Bipolar Parenting Intervention (IBPI). Researchers want to see if this digital programme helps children with their feelings and behaviour, while helping parents feel less stressed and more confident. The study is run by Lancaster University and is completely remote, meaning you do not have to travel. Parents living in the UK who have bipolar disorder and a child aged 4 to 11 may take part. Half the parents receive the online parenting programme alongside their usual care, while the other half receive a helpful web page of existing resources. Everyone answers questions online over 48 weeks to measure how well the support works.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Lancaster University

Enrolment target

284

Start

07 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2025

Bipolar disorder

What is this study about?

Parenting is a demanding job for anyone, but managing bipolar disorder can bring extra challenges. The shifts in energy, mood, and sleep that come with bipolar can make it tough to keep up steady daily routines for growing children. Many mums and dads would like extra guidance, but some worry that speaking up to their doctors might lead to unwanted questions about their parenting ability. Because of this, private and easy-to-reach support is urgently needed.

Children of parents with bipolar disorder can sometimes experience emotional or behavioural difficulties of their own. Early support can make a big difference for the whole family. Researchers at Lancaster University have created an online programme tailored specifically for parents with bipolar disorder. An early version showed promising results, helping both parents and children feel more settled. This larger study aims to prove whether the updated programme genuinely works and provides good value for the NHS.

If the study is successful, this online course could become widely available across the UK. It could offer parents a secure, private way to learn helpful parenting strategies at their own pace, boosting their confidence, reducing anxiety, and helping their children thrive.

Key takeaways

Tests a specialised, private online parenting programme for parents with bipolar disorder.
Open to UK parents with a child aged 4 to 11 years.
Completely remote with no travel, clinic visits, or medication changes required.
Involves filling in online questionnaires over a 48-week period.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are an adult living in the UK with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and have a child aged between 4 and 11 years. You must spend at least 10 hours of face-to-face time with your child each week, and you will need access to the internet through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

This study is not suitable for parents whose main difficulty is severe drug or alcohol misuse, or those who are already having intensive talking therapy or another parenting programme. It is also not suitable if your child is currently having psychological therapy or is involved in formal child protection proceedings.

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.

I have a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
I live in the UK.
I have a child aged between 4 and 11 years.
I spend at least 10 hours a week face-to-face with my child.
I have regular access to the internet on a phone, tablet, or computer.
My child is not currently receiving psychotherapy or subject to child protection proceedings.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part takes place entirely online and over the phone, so you do not need to travel to a clinic or hospital. First, you will have a brief 15-minute phone call followed by an eligibility check lasting about two hours to confirm the study is right for you. Your total time in the study will be 48 weeks.

You will be randomly chosen by a computer to join one of two groups. One group gets full access to the online parenting programme alongside their usual NHS care. The other group continues their usual care and receives a website listing helpful existing parenting and bipolar resources. Both groups fill out online questionnaires at the start, at 24 weeks, and at 48 weeks. The study does not change your regular medication or doctor visits.

Potential risks and benefits

You may find the parenting ideas helpful and feel more confident managing family life, which could also help your child's emotions and behaviour. However, there is no guarantee of direct personal benefit. Some parents may simply value knowing they are helping improve future NHS support for other families. There are no known direct physical risks, though answering questions about parenting and mood can sometimes feel personal or tiring. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and doing so will never affect your usual medical or mental health care.

Locations (1)

University of Lancaster
Approximate
Lancaster, England

Common questions

Do I have to travel to Lancaster University to take part?

No. The entire study is run remotely, so you can take part from home using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Will taking part affect my regular bipolar treatment?

No. You will continue to see your usual doctors and take any prescribed medication exactly as normal throughout the study.

Could taking part cause social services to get involved?

No. The study is confidential and designed to support you. Researchers only ever need to break confidentiality if there is an immediate risk of serious harm to someone.

What happens if I get put in the comparison group?

You will receive a helpful web guide detailing parenting and bipolar support services, keep your usual NHS care, and provide vital survey data that makes the research possible.

Does the study cost anything?

No. Taking part is completely free. You only need a standard internet connection and an everyday digital device.

How to find out more

Steven Jones

s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk +44 (0)7872464198 Official trial record

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