Participants first to benefit from $22 million federal research project
February 6, 2001---The National Institute of Mental Health has launched a nationwide study to improve the treatment of bipolar disorder, a disabling disease that annually costs the Nation billions in lost productivity and increases the risk of suicide among the 2.3 million Americans who suffer with the disease. The $22 million study – the largest of its kind, recruiting 5,000 participants at 18 centers across the country – will look for the most effective treatments in order to raise the standard of care for individuals with the disorder.
This research study, the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD), is the largest, long-term NIMH-funded project in this disorder to be conducted at multiple sites across the nation. STEP-BD, which is coordinated through Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, focuses on finding the most effective strategies, including medications and “talk” therapies, for treating episodes of depression and mania and for preventing recurrent episodes over time. Participants will be the first to benefit from new information discovered during the study.
“Better treatment for bipolar disorder depends upon large-scale, long-term, population-based research,” says Gary Sachs, MD, principal investigator for the study and director of the Bipolar Treatment Center at MGH. “We are extremely encouraged by the progress of the 700 people currently enrolled in the trial.”
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a serious but treatable disease of the brain that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning. Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness that typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood. Cycles, or episodes, of depressive and/or manic symptoms typically recur if untreated and may become more frequent, often disrupting work, school, family and social life.
“This major research effort will contribute to improving the standard of care for Americans with bipolar disorder—regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity,” says Steven E. Hyman, MD, Director of the NIMH. “STEP-BD is a unique study that enrolls participants at every phase of their illness and offers them the best treatment available. We hope to see benefits not only for the future treatment of individuals with this disorder but for those currently in the trial.”
STEP-BD offers individuals high-quality, long-term continuity of care, and evaluates the effectiveness of current treatments. The research study is open to people over the age of 15 with bipolar disorder, including those with additional mental or physical illnesses, those previously treated with study medications or therapies, and those who have never before been in treatment. Participants will receive ongoing evaluation, care, and attention for up to 5 years. They can stay on their existing treatment plan or can choose to change treatments at any time. At no point during the study will participants be assigned placebo alone. STEP-BD also examines other important, practical outcomes such as quality of life, adherence to treatment, ability to work, social functioning, and treatment cost-effectiveness.
Cities where the trial is being conducted include: Tucson, AZ; Stanford, CA; La Jolla, CA; Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; Boston, MA; Worcester, MA; Kansas City, MO; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Cleveland, OH; Tulsa, OK; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; and San Antonio, TX.
For more information about STEP-BD call toll-free, 1-866-398-7425 or visit, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/studies/stepbd.cfm.
A video news release will also be available on February 5, 2001 from 3:00-3:30 P.M., E.S.T [Telstar 5/Transponder 23 (c) band]; on February 6, 2001 from 10:30-11:00 A.M., E.S.T [Telstar 5/Transponder 16 (c) band]; and on February 7, 2001 from 10:00-10:30 A.M., E.S.T [Telstar 5/Transponder 16 (c) band].
Contact: Marilyn Weeks, NIMH 301-443-4536
Georgia Peirce, MGH 617-724-6423