Client-led online therapy for people diagnosed with BipolarDisorder V1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Client-led online therapy for people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

  • IRAS ID

    288776

  • Contact name

    Kadie Roberts

  • Contact email

    Kadie-charelle.Roberts@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Manchester

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NCT04859647

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 8 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    The study aims to investigate the use of Method of Levels therapy (MOL) delivered online via Zoom video call for people who have received a diagnosis of a bipolar spectrum disorder. People are typically offered medication and talking therapies aimed at reducing symptoms and managing relapse. Research shows, however, that people tend to report reasons for distress other than symptoms and prioritise a fulfilling, purposeful life over remaining relapse-free. Having choice and control over treatment have been identified as important aspects of recovery in bipolar disorder.

    MOL is a flexible, client-led psychological therapy that allows people to talk freely about important problems and life goals. MOL has already been applied to a range of mental health difficulties with promising results.

    The aims of the study are to:
    - Investigate whether it is feasible to deliver MOL online to people with a bipolar spectrum disorder
    - Investigate whether individual MOL therapy delivered online is an acceptable psychological intervention for people with a bipolar spectrum disorder
    - Identify the elements of therapy that people want choice over and the impact and importance of these elements
    - Determine whether there is a link between how much control over therapy people perceive themselves to have and the degree to which they generate new perspectives, thoughts and insights into their problems.

    We aim to recruit approximately 12 people with a diagnosis of a bipolar spectrum disorder who want to talk about problems they may be experiencing. People will be offered individual MOL sessions online until 31st November 2021. They will choose how many sessions to have, when to attend and what to talk about. We will consider how many people choose to take part and remain in the study to the end. We will ask about their experiences of the intervention and any changes they may have noticed via feedback questionnaires and a Qualitative interview.

  • REC name

    London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/LO/0284

  • Date of REC Opinion

    20 May 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion