New bipolar disorder research
The University of Michigan is participating in a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of two medicines commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. U-M is one of 10 sites in the Bipolar Trials Network that will participate in the national study, which is supported by a federal investment aimed at improving patient outcomes.
The Bipolar CHOICE (Clinical Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness) trial will compare the real-world performance of quetiapine, a widely prescribed mood-stabilizing medication, with lithium, a standard for outpatient bipolar treatment for many years.
“This research is a true collaboration, involving not only other leading U.S. institutions, but also a group of dedicated individuals with bipolar disorder who are enthusiastic about contributing their time to participate in our research,” says Melvin McInnis, M.D., the principal investigator for Bipolar CHOICE and the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund, as well as an associate director of the Depression Center. “Our study participants are our most valuable collaborators, since they are highly motivated to help us understand and manage this illness more effectively.”
Unlike most other trials, the study permits participants to take almost any other medication. Although many patients need about three medications to feel and stay well, most studies comparing treatments for bipolar disorder do not permit patients to take other medications besides those being evaluated.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong, highly recurrent disorder characterized by extreme variations in mood, alternating between episodes of mania or hypomania (states of elevated mood) and major depression. Bipolar disorder ranks among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide, with associated costs of $70.6 billion per year for treatment and prevention.
Proper management of bipolar disorder, often through a combination of medication and psychotherapy, can help most people gain control over their mood swings and related symptoms.
Additional information on clinical trials can be found at umclinicalstudies.org.
March 24, 2011
