February 9, 2001

This week, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) announced the launch of a nationwide study to improve the treatment of bipolar disorder. The $28 million study is being coordinated through the MGH. The clinical protocol requires the recruitment of 5,000 participants at 18 centers across the country, making it one of the largest research trials of its kind. The study will look for the most effective treatments to raise the standard of care for individuals with the disorder, which also is known as manic-depressive illness.

This research study, the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD), is the largest NIMH-funded clinical study ever conducted. STEP-BD focuses on finding the most effective strategies, including medications and talk therapies, for treating episodes of depression and mania and for preventing recurrent episodes over time. Participants will be the first to benefit from new information discovered during the study.

"Better treatment for bipolar disorder depends upon large-scale, long-term, population-based research," says Gary Sachs, MD, (left) principal investigator for the study and director of the Bipolar Treatment Center at the MGH. "We are extremely encouraged by the progress of the 800 people currently enrolled in the trial."

STEP-BD offers individuals high-quality, long-term continuity of care, and evaluates the effectiveness of current treatments. The study is open to people over the age of 15 with bipolar disorder, including those with additional mental or physical illnesses, those previously treated with medications or therapies and those who have never before been in treatment. Participants will receive ongoing evaluation, care and attention throughout the five-year study period. STEP-BD also examines other important outcomes such as quality of life, adherence to treatment, ability to work, social functioning and treatment cost-effectiveness.

For more information about STEP-BD, visit http://www.stepbd.org.