Learning skills to manage bipolar disorder in teens and young adults

This trial is testing whether dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)—a structured counseling program that teaches coping skills—can help young people with bipolar disorder or those at risk because of family history. The therapy combines group skills training sessions with one-on-one counseling over one year, and family members are encouraged to participate in the skills training. Researchers want to understand which young people benefit most from this approach and why.

Bipolar disorder in teenagers and young adults can be difficult to treat, especially when young people struggle with impulsive behaviors or thoughts of harming themselves. This treatment was developed to address these specific challenges in young people and has shown early promise, but researchers need to study it more carefully to understand how to personalize care for each patient.