Cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation vs. treatment as usual for bipolar patients-preliminary results

Background and Aims: To investigate the effectiveness of a new psychological intervention named Cognitive‐Behavioral Rehabilitation (CBR) as an add‐on treatment for bipolar disorder. The CBR was developed to address commonly cognitive and functional impairments associated with the disorder and to prevent new mood episodes. Method: This is a RCT comparing CBR to treatment as usual (TAU) for bipolar patients. CBR is a combination of cognitive behavioral strategies and cognitive rehabilitation exercises, consisting of twelve weekly group sessions of 90 minutes each. To be included in the study, patients must be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, type I or II, between 18 to 55 years old, in full or partial remission and have an IQ>80. An automated neuropsychological battery, followed by mood, social functioning and quality of life assessments will occur in three moments: pre and post‐intervention and after 12 months. Results: We have included 54 participants so far (26 CBR, 28 TAU) and the clinical trial is underway. At baseline there were no statistical differences for age, gender, scholarship and psychiatric comorbidities. Three groups have already completed the post‐treatment evaluation. We intent to include 10 more participants in order to reach the sample size previously estimated. All groups will be completed by the end of February 2018. Conclusion: This is the first controlled trial assessing the validity and effectiveness of the new CBR intervention in preventing new mood episodes and improving cognitive and functional impairments. Trial registration: NCT02766361.