Current Research

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy is an evidence-based treatement, which means that research has shown that it is effective in helping patients manage life with a mood disorder. When studied as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder, IPSRT gave patients a significantly longer time before the occurence of a new episode. Participants in IPSRT also had significantly higher regularity in daily routines and showed improved occupational functioning. When studied during the STEP-BD trials, IPSRT's patients had a shorter time to recovered status than patients in the control group.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying the role of IPSRT in the treatment of different types of bipolar disorders (bipolar II disorder and bipolar disorder "not otherwise specified") and as a means of preventing bipolar disorder in youth who are at high risk for developing the illness. IPSRT is also in active use in private clinics, medical centers, and university settings both in the United States and abroad. IPSRT is the program being used in a community implementation study based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the French adaptation of the program (TIPARS) is being used both with face-to-face and telephone therapy sessions.

If you are interested in learning more about the IPSRT treatment program, please refer to the IPSRT manual, Treating Bipolar Disorder: A Clinician's Guide to Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (Dr. Ellen Frank, Guildford Press).

Treating Bipolar Disorder at Guilford Press | Amazon.com | BN.com