Post-Hospital Intervention for Veterans With Comorbid Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders

Purpose

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention for Veterans with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders following a psychiatric hospitalization. Half of the participants will receive a specialized psychosocial intervention program, while the other half will receive an enhanced safety monitoring program, both provided in addition to their routine care.

Conditions

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorders

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Diagnosis of a mood disorder - Diagnosis of a substance use disorder (drug and/or alcohol) - Taking at least one psychiatric medication

Exclusion Criteria

  • Unable to speak and read English - Younger than age 18

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Single (Outcomes Assessor)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Integrated Treatment Adherence Program for Veterans (ITAP-VA)
A combination of in-person and phone sessions along with significant other involvement over 6 months post-hospitalization.
  • Behavioral: Integrated Treatment Adherence Program for Veterans (ITAP-VA)
    Psychosocial support and treatment to improve treatment adherence, symptoms, and functioning.
Active Comparator
Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (SAFE)
Enhanced symptom monitoring and safety evaluation over 6 months post-hospitalization.
  • Behavioral: Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (SAFE)
    Measurement-based care assessment and evaluation.

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development

Study Contact

Jane Metrik, PhD
(401) 273-7100
Jane.Metrik@va.gov

Detailed Description

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention designed to improve treatment adherence in Veterans with comorbid bipolar disorder and substance use disorders (BP-SUD) following a psychiatric hospitalization. Participants will be randomized to either the specialized psychosocial intervention or an enhanced safety monitoring program, both as adjuncts to VA treatment as usual. Veterans with BP-SUD will be recruited from the Providence VAMC inpatient psychiatric unit and assessed at baseline and at 3 (mid-treatment), 6 (post-treatment), and 9-month post-discharge.