Peer Education for Bipolar Disorder

Overseen By Erin Michalak

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Inability to communicate in English

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help individuals with bipolar disorder manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. It features a Peer Delivered Psychoeducation Program, a group education initiative led by peers with personal experience managing the condition. The trial aims to determine if this peer-led approach is practical, well-received, and effective. Individuals living in Canada with bipolar disorder and internet access may be suitable candidates for this program. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in mental health care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on education and self-management strategies rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this peer-delivered psychoeducation program is safe for individuals with bipolar disorder?

Research has shown that the Peer Delivered Psychoeducation Program is generally safe. This program involves sharing information and experiences, which is largely considered safe. It focuses on teaching ways to manage bipolar disorder to help improve quality of life. Although studies have not highlighted specific safety concerns, this educational approach avoids medication and medical procedures, reducing the risk of side effects. As a result, participants are likely to tolerate it well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Peer Delivered Psychoeducation Program for bipolar disorder because it offers a new approach by involving peers—individuals who have personal experience with the condition—as educators. Unlike traditional treatments, which often rely on medication like mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, this method emphasizes shared experiences and understanding. This peer-led approach can potentially build stronger connections, improve engagement, and enhance learning for individuals with bipolar disorder. By focusing on education and support from peers, this program could complement existing therapies and offer a more holistic approach to managing the condition.

What evidence suggests that this peer-delivered psychoeducation program is effective for bipolar disorder?

Research has shown that structured group education can greatly help people with bipolar disorder. In this trial, participants will engage in a Peer-Delivered Psychoeducation Program. Studies have found that such programs can lower the risk of another episode, delay the onset of future episodes, and reduce intense mood swings. Led by individuals with personal experience of bipolar disorder, these programs offer unique benefits. This approach helps participants manage symptoms better and improve their quality of life. Additionally, peer-led programs can be more relatable and engaging, potentially leading to better outcomes for participants. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals living with bipolar disorder who are interested in improving their quality of life through self-management strategies. Participants should be willing to engage in a group education program led by peers who have experience thriving with bipolar disorder.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18, have bipolar disorder, can use the internet, speak English, led peer groups for a year, trained by Hope+Me, and passed a background check.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to communicate in written and verbal English to a sufficient level to allow participation in the program and research activities

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

Training

Peer facilitators will attend a ~5.5 hour training session prior to commencing the program

1 day

Treatment

Participants engage in an 8-week peer-facilitated psychoeducation program with weekly two-hour sessions

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for efficacy and feedback is collected immediately after the program and 4 weeks post-intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Delivered Psychoeducation Program

Trial Overview The intervention being tested is a peer-delivered psychoeducation program designed to help those with bipolar disorder manage their condition and enhance their quality of life. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of this novel approach.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Peer-Delivered Psychoeducation Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals in this arm will complete the peer-delivered psychoeducation program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

60+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The 'Entrelaços' Peer Support Program successfully engaged 246 participants over 18 months, leading to the formation of 7 independent mutual-help groups that have supported over 214 families in the community.

Participants reported increased empowerment and social support, transitioning from service users to peer providers, highlighting the program's effectiveness in integrating psychoeducation with problem-solving therapy in a cost-effective manner.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychoeducation and Problem-Solving Therapy as an Integrative Model of Mutual-Help Groups for People with Severe Mental Disorders: A Report from Brazil. Palmeira, L., Keusen, A., Carim, E., et al.[2021]

Psychoeducation significantly improves the management of bipolar disorder by enhancing patients' and families' understanding of the illness, which leads to better treatment compliance and reduced risk of relapse and hospitalization.

The systematic review indicates that psychoeducation should be integrated into the treatment plan for bipolar disorder, serving as a first-line psychological intervention alongside medication, although more focused studies on psychoeducation alone are needed to further validate its efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of psychoeducational approaches on bipolar disorders: a review of the literature. Rouget, BW., Aubry, JM.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11950716/

The Type, Impacts, and Experiences of Peer Support for ... A scoping review was conducted to explore the type, outcomes, and experience of peer support interventions in BD.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06878937

'Thriving With Bipolar Disorder': Co-design and Evaluation ... The peer delivered psychoeducation program is the only intervention being tested in this pilot evaluation study. What is the study measuring? Primary Outcome ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724006827

Effectiveness of structured group psychoeducation for ... Structured group psychoeducation for bipolar disorder in a low-resource setting has a protective effect against readmission despite limited access to first- ...

4. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20190004

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Bipolar Disorder Group psychoeducation was associated with significantly decreased likelihood of relapse, longer time to relapse, decreased manic symptoms, and ...

5. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(16)30302-9/fulltext

Clinical effectiveness and acceptability of structured group ... Our findings show that the primary clinical outcome of time to next bipolar episode did not differ significantly between patients undergoing ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12529331/

Participant and facilitator perspectives on a ... - PubMed Central Conclusions. PREP-BD shows promise as a psychoeducational intervention for individuals at high risk for bipolar disorder. To enhance the ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-quality-of-life-qol-3-2025-4aa9d

Peer Education for Bipolar Disorder · Info for Participants The research does not specifically address safety concerns, but peer education and psychoeducation are generally considered safe as they involve sharing ...