Neurobehavioral Targets of Mindfulness in Youth at Risk for Mood Disorders
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
Mood lability is an important transdiagnostic problem that is associated with poor psychosocial function and suicidal thoughts, and is a predictor of mood disorder onset, especially in youth at familial risk. Thus, particularly in youth with a family history of mood disorder, an intervention to target mood lability during a key period of development could improve outcomes. This study will allow us to test neurobehavioral mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to target mood lability in early adolescents at high risk for developing mood disorders. Through this randomized controlled trial, the investigators will better understand how and for whom mindfulness interventions work, which will lead to more targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation during this key developmental period.
Description
In a sample of 100 adolescents (11-14 years old) with mood lability and a parent or sibling with a major mood disorder, the investigators are comparing an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) versus a health and wellness program (HWI) to assess mechanisms through which the MBI leads to decreased mood lability. The investigators estimate that they will need to enroll 140 participants to successfully randomize 100 participants. Participants will first complete an intake assessment to confirm the parent's or sibling's bipolar or major depressive disorder diagnosis as well as obtain demogra…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 11–14 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females between the ages of 11-14 years * Parent or full biological sibling with major depressive disorder and/or bipolar I/II disorder * Elevated mood lability, which is defined as \>10 on the Children's Affective Lability Scale (averaging the child and parent score). Exclusion Criteria: * IQ\<70 or significant learning disability (which will make it difficult to participate in study procedures) * Current or previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or autism spectrum disorder * Current diagnosis of major depressive dis…
Interventions
- BehavioralMindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI)
The mindfulness-based intervention is based on mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, borrowing publicly available materials from the Mindfulness in Schools Program and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The MBI consists of 8 weekly groups, 45-60 minutes in length, and include 3-8 youth.
- BehavioralHealth and Wellness Intervention (HWI)
The control intervention is inspired by the Health Enhancement Program that has been adapted for youth 11-14 years old, using brief, engaging, and age-appropriate activities to address topics related to physical and mental health. HWI consists of 8 weekly groups, 45-60 minutes in length, and include 3-8 youth.
Location
- Western Psychiatric HospitalPittsburgh, Pennsylvania