Project Summary

Katherine N. DuHamel, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Beth Israel Medical Center, aims to learn whether a novel cognitive treatment will improve medication adherence in people with bipolar disorder. Relapse and poor treatment-outcome in bipolar disorder often are due to patients not following established treatments. In the proposed project, Dr. DuHamel will test a motivational interviewing-based adherence intervention to help patients change their behavior with respect to medication compliance. The nonconfrontational method, which has worked in alcoholism treatment, helps patients weigh the pros and cons of changing and make a decision to change. The therapist takes the individuals’ stage of change into account when delivering the intervention. The study will assess the intervention’s effect in patients who have had treatment-adherence problems. Patients either will get the usual care (supportive therapy and medication) or the intervention and usual care. Dr. DuHamel expects the combined approach will increase medication adherence.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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