Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy–Child With Youth Who Have a Parent Diagnosed With Bipolar I Disorder

Abstract

Youth who have parents with bipolar I disorder appear to be most at risk for developing early-onset bipolar symptoms. The current study examined how one group counseling intervention, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy–child, may improve emotional awareness and influence the family environment over a 12-week treatment interval for a group of youth aged 11–16. Improving emotional awareness and the family environment may help slow symptom expression for youth at risk for developing bipolar I disorder. Changes in depressive symptoms for each participant were assessed using a single-case research design method to help better understand the mechanisms of change throughout treatment. While results indicate changes in emotional awareness, the majority were statistically nonsignificant. Notably, participants’ perception of control significantly changed, and participants reported significant positive changes in family environment. Some participants experienced decreases in depression over the course of the intervention.