Changes in emotional dysregulation profile among offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: a family-based intervention pilot study

Offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OBD) are at increased risk for mood and behavioral disorders, with emotional dysregulation being an early marker. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of a family-focused intervention on emotional dysregulation in OBD, hypothesizing a significant reduction in CBCL Emotional Dysregulation Profile scores over 12 months. Twenty-five OBD aged 6-16 years participated in a four-session psychoeducational program. Significant reductions were observed in CBCL emotional dysregulation scores suggesting that a brief family-focused program may reduce dysregulation and improve functioning in OBD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov. ID NCT03299140. Registered on the 17th September, 2017.