Premium
Conceptual and methodological issues in designing a randomized, controlled treatment trial for geriatric bipolar disorder: GERI‐BD
Author(s) -
Young Robert C,
Schulberg Herbert C,
Gildengers Ariel G,
Sajatovic Martha,
Mulsant Benoit H,
Gyulai Laszlo,
Beyer John,
Marangell Lauren,
Kunik Mark,
Ten Have Thomas,
Bruce Martha L,
Gur Ruben,
Marino Patricia,
Evans Jovier D,
Reynolds III Charles F,
Alexopoulos George S
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
bipolar disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1399-5618
pISSN - 1398-5647
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00779.x
Subject(s) - tolerability , bipolar disorder , randomized controlled trial , mood , psychology , treatment of bipolar disorder , psychiatry , psychotherapist , medicine , clinical psychology , mania , adverse effect
Young RC, Schulberg HC, Gildengers AG, Sajatovic M, Mulsant BH, Gyulai L, Beyer J, Marangell L, Kunik M, Ten Have T, Bruce ML, Gur R, Marino P, Evans JD, Reynolds CF III, Alexopoulos GS. Conceptual and methodological issues in designing a randomized, controlled treatment trial for geriatric bipolar disorder: GERI‐BD.
Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 56–67. © 2010 The Authors.
Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Aim: This report considers the conceptual and methodological concerns confronting clinical investigators seeking to generate knowledge regarding the tolerability and benefits of pharmacotherapy in geriatric bipolar disorder (BD) patients. Method: There is continuing need for evidence‐based guidelines derived from randomized controlled trials that will enhance drug treatment of geriatric BD patients. Therefore, we present the complex conceptual and methodological choices encountered in designing a multisite clinical trial and the decisions reached by the investigators with the intention that study findings be pertinent to, and can facilitate, routine treatment decisions. Results: Guided by a literature review and input from peers, the tolerability and antimanic effects of lithium and valproate were judged to be the key mood stabilizers to investigate with regard to treating bipolar I disorder manic, mixed, and hypomanic states. The patient selection criteria are intended to generate a sample that not only experiences common treatment needs but also represents the variety of older patients seen in university‐based clinical settings. The clinical protocol guides titration of lithium and valproate to target serum concentrations, with lower levels allowed when necessitated by limited tolerability. The protocol emphasizes initial monotherapy. However, augmentation with risperidone is permitted after three weeks when indicated by operational criteria. Conclusions: A randomized, controlled trial that both investigates commonly prescribed mood stabilizers and maximizes patient participation can meaningfully address high‐priority clinical concerns directly relevant to the routine pharmacologic treatment of geriatric BD patients.