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Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2018 Aug. (Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208.)

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Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review [Internet].

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Appendix MFamily or Partner Interventions

Appendix Table M1Characteristics of eligible studies: family or partner interventions vs. inactive comparator

Study, Year
Design
Location
Funder

Risk of Bias

PMID
Randomized (N)

Age (mean)
Sex (% Female)
Race (% White)
Diagnosis
(% BP I, II, NOS)

Setting
Inclusions

Key Exclusions
Intervention
Description
Comparison
Description
Follow-up DurationOutcomes
Reported

Withdrawal (%) at endpoint
D’Souza, 20101
RCT
Australia
Non-Government

Low

19428117
N=58

Age 41 (19-60)
Female 52%
White NR
BP I 86%
BP II 14%

Outpatient
Euthymic/Maintenance: Recently remitted patients with a YMRS score <10 and a MADRS score <8 recruited within one month of discharge from hospital for bipolar relapse (MINI).

Substance Abuse; Other Mental Health; Labs/Other Conditions
Patient/companion group psychoeducation consisting of discussion of symptoms, medications, and warning signs, and resources as well as psychotherapy

-12 weekly sessions, 90 minutes each session
Treatment as usual: Community based case management involving weekly review with a mental health clinician and a monthly medical review

-Weekly sessions for 45 minutes
15 monthsMADRS
YMRS
Relapse (BP) symptoms requiring hospital admission or intensive community psychiatric intervention)
Time to relapse

Withdrawal 22%
Miller 20042
Solomon 20083
Miller 20084
RCT
US
Government

High
High
Moderate

15555694
19032711
18363424
N=92

Age 39 (18-65)
Female 57%
White NR
BP I 100%

Outpatient
Current Episode: Inpatients, partial inpatients, or outpatients with BP I (DSM-III), a current episode (mania, depression, mixed) without alcohol or drug dependence within the past 12 months and living or in regular contact with a relative or significant other

Substance abuse
Individual or group family therapy consisting of semi-structured family interventions. Individual therapy was based on McMaster Model of Family Function and group therapy included sessions focused on signs and symptoms, patient and family perspectives, and coping mechanisms.

-6 to 10 sessions of family therapy, 50 minutes per session

OR

-6 weekly group sessions, 90 minutes per session
Pharmacotherapy: Mood stabilizer with other medications as necessary28 monthsRecovery (Two consecutive months with BRMS <6 and HDRS <7)
Relapse (HDRS 17-item score >15 or BRMS score > 9 after recovery)
Time to recurrence
Hospitalizations

Withdrawal 35%

Abbreviations: BP=bipolar disorder; BRMS=Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale; DSM=Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; HDRS=Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; MADRS=Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale; MINI=MINI International Nueropsychiatric Interview; NOS=not otherwise specified; NR=not reported; PMID=PubMed Identification Number; RCT=randomized controlled trial; YMRS = Young Mania Rating Scale

Appendix Table M2Summary risk of bias assessments: family or partner interventions vs. inactive comparators

Study
Funder
PMID
Overall Risk of Bias AssessmentRationale
D’Souza, 20101
Non-Government
19428117
LowNo significant suspected biases.
Miller 20084
Government
15555694
HighSuspected bias due to unclear reporting of randomization and attrition.
Solomon 20083
Government
19032711
HighSuspected bias due to unclear reporting of randomization and attrition.
Miller 20042
Government
18363424
ModerateSuspected bias due to attrition rate of 35%.

Abbreviations: PMID=PubMed Identification Number

Appendix Table M3Outcomes summary: family or partner interventions vs. inactive comparators

Study
PMID
Risk of Bias
Responder/RemitterSymptomFunctionOtherAE
D’Souza, 20102
19428117
Low
Relapse*
15 months, Any Type
Favors FPI
OR=0.17 (95% CI 0.03, 0.78); p=0.02
Depression*
15 months, MADRS
NS
ES=−0.15 (95% CI −0.66, 0.37)

Mania*
15 months, YMRS
Favors FPI
ES=−0.78 (95% CI −1.31, −0.24)
NRNRNR
Miller 20084
19032711
High

Solomon 20083
18363424
Moderate

Miller 20042
15555694
High
Relapse*
15 months, Any Type
NS
Individual Therapy OR=1.32 (95% CI 0.24, 7.34); p=0.50
Group Therapy OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.20, 4.51); p=0.62

Recovery
28 months
NS; p=0.21
Number Recovered
Individual Therapy: 16.0
Group Therapy: 21.0
Comparator: 16.0

Time to Recurrence
28 months
NS; p=0.75
Months (Median)
Individual Therapy: 6.0
Group Therapy: 8.0
Comparator: 12.0

Time to Recovery
28 months
NS; p=0.55
Months (Median)
Individual Therapy: 10
Group Therapy: 7
Comparator: 8
NRNRHospitalizations
28 months
Favors FPI; p=0.04
Number of Hospitalizations
Individual Therapy: 5
Group Therapy: 1
Comparator: 6
NR

Abbreviations: CI=Confidence Interval; ES=effect size; FPI=family and partner interventions; MADRS=Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale; NR=not reported; NS=not significant; OR=Odds Ratio; PMID=PubMed Identification Number; YMRS = Young Mania Rating Scale

Appendix Table M4Summary of strength of evidence: family or partner interventions vs. inactive comparators

OutcomeTiming# Studies/Design
(n analyzed)
Finding or Summary StatisticStudy LimitationsConsistencyDirectnessPrecisionOverall Grade/Conclusion
Relapse12+ months2 RCTs
(n=150)
Mixed evidence with no clear direction of effect.
No pattern across time periods.
LowInconsistentDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Depression12+ months1 RCT
(n=58)
No difference between groups at 15 months.

MADRS
ES=−0.15 (95% CI −0.66, 0.37)
LowUnclearDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Mania12+ months1 RCT
(n=58)
Favors FPI at 15 months.

YMRS
ES=−0.78 (95% CI −1.31, −0.24)
LowUnclearDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Global FunctionNR-------
Other Measures of FunctionNR-------

Abbreviations: CI=Confidence Interval; ES=effect size; FPI=family and partner interventions; MADRS=Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale; NR=not reported; RCT=Randomized Control Trial; YMRS = Young Mania Rating Scale

Appendix Table M5Characteristics of eligible studies: family or partner interventions vs. active comparators

Study, Year
Design
Location
Funder

Risk of Bias

PMID
Randomized (N)

Age (mean)
Sex (% Female)
Race (% White)
Diagnosis
(% BP I, II, NOS)

Setting
Inclusions

Key Exclusions
Intervention
Description
Comparison
Description
Follow-up DurationOutcomes
Reported

Withdrawal (%) at endpoint
Wenze, 20155
RCT
US
Government and Non-Government

Moderate

26117247
N=30

Age 47 (24-68)
Female 50%
White 90%
BP I 77%
BP II 13%
BP NOS 10%

Inpatient/Outpatient

No current clinical state excluded; Inpatients or at-risk outpatients diagnosed with BP I, II, or NOS (DSM-IV) and drug/alcohol abuse disorder (DSM-IV) with a current prescription for a mood stabilizing medication and access to a telephone

Other Mental Health; Pregnant/Nursing; Labs/Other Conditions
Integrated Treatment Adherence Program based on a cognitive behavioral approach focused on transitioning patients from acute to maintenance care using patient and family or significant other meetings in person and via telephone.

-3 individual in-person sessions, 60 minutes per session; a 60 minute in-person session with family session, and 11 phone contacts held separately with subject and designated family member or significant other
Enhanced Assessment and Monitoring consisting of treatment as usual with enhanced monitoring (battery of interview-rated and self-report assessments followed by feedback letters)6 monthsQIDS-C
CARS-M
WHO-DAS
Hospitalizations
ER Visits

Withdrawal 27%
Miklowitz, 20006
Miklowitz, 20037
RCT
US
Government and Non-Government

Low
Low

11018229
12963672
N=101

Age 36 (18-56)
Female 63%
White NR
BP I 100%

Inpatient/Outpatient
No current clinical state excluded: Inpatients with BP I (DSM-III) who had experienced a depressed, manic, or mixed episode in the past 3 months living with or having regular contact with close relatives

Substance Abuse; Neurological Disorders; Labs/Other Conditions
Family-focused therapy with pharmacotherapy consisting of psychoeducation, developing communication skills, and learning a framework for defining problems and implementing solutions.

-Uo to 21 family or martial sessions over 9 months, 60 minutes per session
Family education (2 sessions) and crisis management consisting of treatment as usual with emergency counseling sessions as needed and monthly telephone calls with patient24 monthsSADS-C Depression
SADS-C Mania
Relapse (NR)

Withdrawal 22%
Rea, 20038
RCT
US
Government and Non-Government

Low

12795572
N=53

Age 26 (18-46)
Female 57%
White 60%
BP I NR

Inpatient/Outpatient
Manic; Inpatients with bipolar disorder (DSM-III), manic type currently taking mood-regulating medications with a close family member that could participate in intervention with patient.

Substance Abuse; Labs/Other Conditions
Family-focused treatment (with medication management) consisting of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training

-21 therapy sessions over 9 months (60 minutes per session) with 1 year of medication management
Individual treatment (with medication management) consisting of meeting a therapist to receive education about illness and symptoms, discuss problem-solving, and establishing goals.

-21 therapy sessions over 9 months (30 minutes per session) with 1 year of medication management
24 monthsRelapse (6 or 7 on BPRS/SADS-C core symptoms of depression, mania, or psychosis, and at least two ancillary symptoms)

Withdrawal 45%
SImoneau, 19999
RCT
US
Government and Non-Government

Moderate

10609423
N=79

Age 34 (18-57)
Female 54%
White NR
BP I NR

Outpatient
Depressive, Manic, or Mixed Episode; Diagnosis of BP (DSM-III) in a manic, mixed, or depressed phase in the 3 months prior including month of study entry, living or in close contact with a relative for at least 1 to 3 months prior to study entry, and willing to take mood stabilizing medications

Substance Abuse; Labs/Other Conditions
Family-focused therapy (with medication management) consisting of psychoeducation, communication-enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training

-21 sessions over 9 months
Crisis management with naturalistic follow-up (with medication management) consisting of two sessions of home-based family education, crisis intervention as needed, telephone counseling and individual support sessions as needed, and monthly contacts.

-9 months of management
24 monthsSADS-C

Withdrawal 44%

Abbreviations: BP=bipolar disorder; BPRS=Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; CARS-M=Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania; DSM=Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; NOS=not otherwise specified; NR=not reported; PMID=PubMed Identification Number; QIDS-C=Quick Inventory of Depression Scores; RCT=randomized controlled trial; SADS-C=Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Change version; WHO-DAS=World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale;

Appendix Table M6Summary risk of bias assessments: family or partner interventions vs. active comparators

Study
Funder
PMID
Overall Risk of Bias AssessmentRationale
Wenze, 20155
Government and Non-Government
26117247
ModerateSuspected bias due to format of data reporting and incomplete reporting of outcomes.
Miklowitz, 20037
Miklowitz, 20006
Government and Non-Government
11018229
12963672
LowNo significant suspected biases.
Rea, 20038
Government and Non-Government
12795572
LowNo significant suspected biases.
SImoneau. 19999
Government and Non-Government
10609423
ModerateSuspected bias due to differential attrition rate between study arms.

Abbreviations: PMID=PubMed Identification Number

Appendix Table M7Outcomes summary: family or partner interventions vs. active comparators

Study
PMID
Responder/RemitterSymptomFunctionOtherAE
Wenze 20155
26117247
NRDepression
6 months, QIDS-C
Favors FPI; p<0.05
ES=0.24

Mania
6 months, CARS-M
Favors FPI; p<0.05
ES=0.37
Health and Disability
6 months, WHO-DAS
Favors FPI; p<0.05
ES=0.12
Re-Hospitalizations
6 months
NS

Emergency Room Visits
6 months
NS; p<0.10
NR
Miklowitz 20037
12963672

Miklowitz 20006
11018229
Relapse*
12 months, Any Type
NS
OR=0.36 (95% CI 0.11, 1.09); p=0.05

Favors FPI
24 months, Any Type
OR=0.22 (95% CI 0.07, 0.66); p=0.00
Depression
24 months, SADS-C Depression
Favors FPI; p=0.005



Mania
24 months, SADS-C Mania
NS; p=0.06
NRNRNR
Rea 20038
12795572
Relapse
12 months
NS; p>0.10
Family/Partner Therapy: 46%
Active Comparator: 52%

1-year Post-Treatment Period (24 months)
Favors FPI; p<0.05
FPI: 28%
Active Comparator: 60%
NRNRNRNR
Simoneau 19999
10609423
NRSymptoms
1 year post-treatment, SADS-C
Favors FPI; p<0.05
NRNRNR

Abbreviations: CARS-M=Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania; CI=Confidence Interval; FPI=Family or Partner Intervention; NR=not reported; NS=not significant; OR=Odds Ratio; PMID=PubMed Identification Number; QIDS-C=Quick Inventory of Depression Scores; SADS-C=Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia- Change version; WHO-DAS=World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale

Appendix Table M8Summary of strength of evidence: family or partner interventions vs. active comparators

OutcomeTiming# Studies/Design
(n analyzed)
Finding or Summary StatisticStudy LimitationsConsistencyDirectnessPrecisionOverall Grade/Conclusion
Relapse7-12 months
12+ months
2 RCTs (n=154)No difference between groups at 12 months; however FPI groups experience fewer relapses at 24 months.LowConsistentDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Depression6 months
12+ months
2 RCTS (n=131)Favors FPI at reported time periods.ModerateConsistentDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Mania6 months
12+ months
2 RCTS (n=131)Mixed evidence with no clear direction of effect.
No pattern across time periods.
ModerateInconsistentDirectImpreciseInsufficient
Global FunctionNR-------
Other Measures of Function6 months1 RCT (n=30)Favors FPI at 6 months.
WHO-DAS
ES=0.12; p<0.05
ModerateUnclearDirectImpreciseInsufficient

Abbreviations: ES=Effect Size; FPI=Family or Partner Intervention; NR=not reported; RCT=randomized controlled trial; WHO-DAS=World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale

References for Appendix M

1.
D’Souza R, Piskulic D, Sundram S. A brief dyadic group based psychoeducation program improves relapse rates in recently remitted bipolar disorder: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2010 Jan;120(1–3):272–6. doi: http://dx​.doi.org/10​.1016/j.jad.2009.03.018. PMID: 19428117. [PubMed: 19428117]
2.
Miller IW, Solomon DA, Ryan CE, et al Does adjunctive family therapy enhance recovery from bipolar I mood episodes? Journal of Affective Disorders. 2004 Nov 1;82(3):431–6. PMID: 15555694. [PubMed: 15555694]
3.
Solomon DA, Keitner GI, Ryan CE, et al Preventing recurrence of bipolar I mood episodes and hospitalizations: family psychotherapy plus pharmacotherapy versus pharmacotherapy alone. Bipolar Disorders. 2008 Nov;10(7):798–805. doi: http://dx​.doi.org/10​.1111/j.1399-5618.2008.00624.x. PMID: 19032711. [PubMed: 19032711]
4.
Miller IW, Keitner GI, Ryan CE, et al Family treatment for bipolar disorder: family impairment by treatment interactions. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2008 May;69(5):732–40. PMID: 18363424. [PMC free article: PMC2862220] [PubMed: 18363424]
5.
Wenze SJ, Gaudiano BA, Weinstock LM, et al Adjunctive psychosocial intervention following Hospital discharge for Patients with bipolar disorder and comorbid substance use: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 30;228(3):516–25. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.06.005. PMID: 26117247. [PMC free article: PMC4532639] [PubMed: 26117247] [CrossRef]
6.
Miklowitz DJ, Simoneau TL, George EL, et al Family-focused treatment of bipolar disorder: 1-year effects of a psychoeducational program in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. Biological Psychiatry. 2000 Sep 15;48(6):582–92. PMID: 11018229. [PubMed: 11018229]
7.
Miklowitz DJ, George EL, Richards JA, et al A randomized study of family-focused psychoeducation and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient management of bipolar disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2003 Sep;60(9):904–12. PMID: 12963672. [PubMed: 12963672]
8.
Rea MM, Tompson MC, Miklowitz DJ, et al Family-focused treatment versus individual treatment for bipolar disorder: results of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. 2003 Jun;71(3):482–92. PMID: 12795572. [PubMed: 12795572]
9.
Simoneau TL, Miklowitz DJ, Richards JA, et al Bipolar disorder and family communication: effects of a psychoeducational treatment program. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 1999 Nov;108(4):588–97. PMID: 10609423. [PubMed: 10609423]

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