Lindner Center of HOPE Seeks Participants for New Bipolar Medication Research Trial
Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE, in affiliation with the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, is conducting a Bipolar CHOICE (Clinical Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness), research study to compare the effectiveness of two medications used to treat bipolar disorder.
February 24, 2011 – Mason, OH – The Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE, in affiliation with the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, is conducting a Bipolar CHOICE (Clinical Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness) research study to compare the effectiveness of two medications used to treat bipolar disorder. The study evaluates the real-world advantages and disadvantages of quetiapine, a widely prescribed second generation antipsychotic medication, compared to lithium, a universally recognized medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
With Massachusetts General Hospital leading the 10-site study, Lindner Center of HOPE is recruiting study participants for assessment and appropriateness of participation. Bipolar disorder, a lifelong and highly recurrent mood disorder, causes patients to experience alternating episodes of major depression and mania/hypomania. It is among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide with associated costs of $70.6 billion per year for treatment and prevention.
“Research studies and the advances they lead to will be closely integrated into the evidence-based treatment programs provided at Lindner Center of HOPE,” say Susan L. McElroy, MD, Chief Research Officer, Lindner Center of HOPE. “The validity of studies evaluating genuine life-experiences can reveal data that is critical to clinical treatment decisions.” This research is designed to inform health care decisions by providing evidence and information on the effectiveness, benefits and harms of different treatment options.
Over the past 10 years, the pharmacologic treatments for bipolar disorder have shifted away from lithium in favor of newly developed antipsychotics, such as quetiapine. Both medications have well documented side effects. Quetiapine has the risk of drowsiness and weight gain. Weight gain may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lithium is associated with the risk of long-term thyroid and kidney problems.
Bipolar CHOICE is funded by a $10 million grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality and is part of an investment made under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Act designated $1.1 billion to support patient-centered outcomes research.
Potential study participants can call Dianna Moeller at (513) 536-0707 or information can be found at www.lindnercenterofhope.org/research.
About Lindner Center of HOPE:
Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 11-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, live-in services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Lindner Center of HOPE is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.
Contact: Jennifer Pierson
(513) 536-0316
[email protected]