Pilot effectiveness trial of Mood Lifters for individuals who self-report bipolar disorder

Abstract

Purpose Bipolar disorder is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes, and therefore, it is crucial to research and develop effective interventions for this population (Grande et al., 2016). Unfortunately, research on the efficacy of current interventions shows only small improvements in symptoms and quality of life (Oud et al., 2016). Additionally, individuals with bipolar disorder face barriers to accessing care like social stigma, isolation and financial constraints (Blixen et al., 2016). This paper aims to introduce and examine the effectiveness of an accessible, peer-led group program, Mood Lifters (Votta and Deldin, 2022), in those who completed the program and also self-reported a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Design/methodology/approach Mood Lifters is a 15-week, peer-led group program that approaches mental wellness from a biopsychosocial framework using strategies from a variety of evidence-based treatment methods (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, etc.). Participants meet once a week for 1 hour to review various mental health topics, including behavioral changes and insight into mood patterns. Individuals who participated in nonacademic groups in a company setting and self-reported a bipolar diagnosis were surveyed at the beginning and end of their program to measure various aspects of psychological functioning. Findings Results suggest that these individuals experienced significant improvements in depression, anxiety, social functioning and perceived stress, along with flourishing and positive and negative affect. Originality/value These findings are promising, given that bipolar disorder is historically difficult to treat (Grande et al., 2016). Based on this preliminary evidence, the authors have developed a Mood Lifters program specifically for individuals with bipolar disorder and are launching a randomized control clinical trial.

Mood Lifters for Graduate Students and Young Adults: A Mixed-Methods Investigation into Mechanisms of Change in Online Group Therapy

“…The Mood Lifters for Graduate Students and Mood Lifters for Young Adults programs seek to support young adults in navigating transdiagnostic mental health and wellness throughout a transitional time in their lives. Previous studies have shown that ML is efficacious and effective in reducing symptoms of psychopathology and promoting mental wellness across various populations and adaptations (e.g., [ 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]), yet the mechanism driving these changes has yet to be determined. The current study sought to explore potential mechanisms of change by analyzing participants’ lived experiences of engagement with the ML program.…”

“…For individuals experiencing no, mild, or moderate symptoms, ML may function as prevention and/or intervention without the need for other mental health care (e.g., [3]). For those experiencing more severe symptom levels, ML may be adjunctive to other individual or group-based mental health care (e.g., [4]). For detailed information on the ML program and content, see Pokowitz et al, 2024 [5].…”

“…For detailed information on the ML program and content, see Pokowitz et al, 2024 [5]. The efficacy and effectiveness of ML have previously been established across various populations, including the general adult population [6][7][8], seniors [9], individuals with bipolar disorder [4], parents of children with complex medical needs [10], and student athletes [11]. Previous research has also shown that peer leaders are equally effective in delivering the ML program as licensed clinicians while also conferring other benefits, such as lowering mental health stigma, creating an informal community space, and lowering the cost of access to care [7].…”