Early Intervention for Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder

The 3 family sessions involve the youth and all family members. These sessions will help the child and family members with mood charting and developing a mood management plan. Families will rehearse mood regulation strategies for current family, social or academic problems. Clinicians then meet with the child individually every month for the next 3 mos. to provide support, assist with problem-solving, and troubleshoot use of the mood management plan.

12 therapy sessions involving the at-risk child or adolescent, parents, and available siblings. Therapy will include psychoeducation about mood disorders, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training. The goal of this intervention is to improve the child's ability to regulate moods and to reduce tension and conflict in the family.