Bipolar study looks at light therapy
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Researchers at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC are looking for adults with bipolar disorder who currently have symptoms of bipolar depression for a study examining the non-drug treatment known as light therapy.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 65, must be experiencing a current major depressive episode and must be taking a mood stabilizer for at least four weeks.
The clinical visits, study medication and medical evaluations are included at no cost for eligible participants, who will be needed for up to 24 weeks.
Bipolar depression, which can last two weeks or more, can these symptoms:
• Feeling hopeless or pessimistic;
• Loss of interest or pleasure in things once enjoyed;
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping;
• Loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, overeating;
• Thoughts of death or suicide;
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
• Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches or chronic pain; and
• Mood swings.
When not depressed, people with bipolar disorder may have long periods of feeling high or an overly happy or outgoing mood; racing thoughts; talking very fast and jumping from one idea to another; and/or an extremely irritable mood and agitation.
Each participants will receive up to $200 in compensation if all scheduled visits are completed. Reimbursement for transportation, including bus tickets or parking fees, also will be provided.
The National Institute of Mental Health is underwriting the study.
For more information: call 1-800-436-2461 or visit www.womensbehavioralhealth.org.
First Published February 25, 2010 12:00 am
