Child and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: pilot study of group treatment format.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study is a preliminary report of a group adaptation of child- and family-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CFF-CBT) for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). METHODS: CFF-CBT group treatment was provided to twenty six families who had children with a diagnosis of PBD ranging between six- and twelve-years-old. RESULTS: Results indicated that CFF-CBT was feasible and acceptable to families. CFF-CBT resulted in significant improvement in manic, but not depressive, symptoms and in children's psychosocial functioning post-treatment. In addition, although not statistically significant, parents reported an increased ability to cope with their child's illness. Results of this study suggest that group psychosocial treatment provided alongside pharmacotherapy may help attain remission of symptoms, as well as increase overall psychosocial coping and well-being in both children and parents. CONCLUSION: Future work must include a more rigorous test of CFF-CBT in a randomized controlled trial.