University of Pittsburgh Participating in Nationwide, Comparative Effectiveness Study of Common Bipolar Medications

University of Pittsburgh Participating in Nationwide, Comparative Effectiveness Study of Common Bipolar Medications

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry Mood Disorders Treatment Research Program will serve as one of 10 sites participating in Bipolar CHOICE (Clinical Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness), a nationwide trial evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of quetiapine, a widely prescribed second generation antipsychotic mood stabilizing medication, compared to lithium, the gold standard mood stabilizer, for the treatment of bipolar disorder.  The project is supported by a $10 million grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ).  Edward S. Friedman, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, is leading the local research team. "Bipolar CHOICE is unique because it is the first study to examine the real-world pros and cons of the newer, second generation mood stabilizers as compared to the classic mood stabilizer, lithium, for the treatment of bipolar disorder," said Dr. Friedman.  He and his colleagues are seeking adults with bipolar disorder, ages 18-68, who are currently experiencing at least mild symptoms of depression, hypomania or mania to participate in Bipolar CHOICE.  Participants will receive either lithium or quetiapine as a mood stabilizer and any other medications, prescribed as needed, for 6 months.