Psychological therapy for mood instability within bipolar spectrum disorder: a single-arm feasibility study of a dialectical behaviour therapy-informed approach

Background We sought to evaluate the acceptability of a psychological therapy programme (Therapy for Inter-episode Mood Variability in Bipolar Disorder (ThrIVe-B)) for individuals with ongoing bipolar mood instability and the feasibility and acceptability of potential trial procedures. We also evaluated the performance of clinical and process outcome measures and the extent to which the programme potentially represents a safe and effective intervention. Method We conducted an open (uncontrolled) trial in which 12 individuals with a bipolar spectrum diagnosis commenced the ThrIVe-B programme after completing baseline assessments. The programme comprised 16 group skills training sessions plus individual sessions and a supporting smartphone application. Follow-up assessments were at therapy end-point and 6 months post-treatment. Results Nine participants completed treatment. Ten provided end-of-treatment data; of these, nine were satisfied with treatment. Interviews with participants and clinicians indicated that the treatment was broadly feasible and acceptable, with suggestions for improvements to content, delivery and study procedures. Exploration of change in symptoms was consistent with the potential for the intervention to represent a safe and effective intervention. Conclusions Conducting further evaluation of this approach in similar settings is likely to be feasible, whilst patient reports and the pattern of clinical change observed suggest this approach holds promise for this patient group. Future research should include more than one study site and a comparison arm to address additional uncertainties prior to a definitive trial. Trial registration Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02637401 ; registered 22.12.15 (retrospectively registered).