Award Date

5-1-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Committee Member

Daniel Allen

Second Committee Member

Brenna Renn

Third Committee Member

Kimberly Barchard

Fourth Committee Member

Sara Hunt

Number of Pages

74

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by fluctuations in mood that significantly interfere with day-to-day functioning. While symptom onset typically occurs in early adulthood, manifestations can occur at an earlier developmental stage. Early intervention has been shown to be effective in decreasing long-term negative outcomes and decreasing symptom severity in serious mental illness (SMI) populations, and as such, early intervention treatment programs may have particular benefits for individuals who are early in the course of bipolar disorder. However, there is little information regarding the effectiveness of these programs. This thesis reports a case of an adolescent client, Blake, diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), who will participate in an evidence-supported novel intervention, Performance Optimization-Focused Family Behavior Therapy (POFFBT), within the context of a Coordinated Specialty Care-Early Treatment Program (CSC ETP) designed to treat early bipolar disorder. Blake completed a comprehensive standardized test battery designed to establish diagnostic criteria, evaluate presenting symptoms, and assess cognition. He attended weekly therapeutic appointments in an evidence-based CSC ETP that provided services over 13.5 months. CSC ETP services were provided by an interdisciplinary treatment team and included medication management, psychotherapy, education and employment support, peer support, case management, and family education. Standardized assessments to determine improvements in symptoms and functioning were conducted on a regularly scheduled basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly). Outcomes presented are decreased aggression, indicated by routine assessments and reports from Blake’s family, and increased cognition. This longitudinal analysis provides support for the use of the POFFBT within the context of a CSC ETP to optimize various aspects of the adolescent’s functioning.

Keywords

Bipolar Disorder; Serious Mental Illness

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology

File Format

pdf

File Size

1223 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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