Could a talking therapy ease the weight of bipolar depression?

NCT ID NCT06365021

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Beny Lafer Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of talking therapy that focuses on psychological flexibility, can reduce depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Participants will attend 12 weekly group sessions of ACT alongside their usual medication, while a comparison group receives a shorter psychoeducation program. The study tracks mood, quality of life, daily functioning, and sleep over a year to see if ACT offers meaningful benefits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a 12-session group psychotherapy protocol
What this could lead to: If effective, ACT could offer a new psychological tool to help people with bipolar disorder manage depressive symptoms and improve daily functioning and quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial, and the benefits of ACT for bipolar depression are not yet established. Results may not generalize, and therapy requires commitment to weekly sessions.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tatiana Cohab Khafif

São Paulo, São Paulo, 01231010, Brazil

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