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

## TL;DR

This pilot study shows that a short family-focused program can reduce emotional dysregulation in children of parents with bipolar disorder.

## Contribution

The study introduces a brief family-focused intervention that effectively reduces emotional dysregulation in at-risk offspring.

## Key findings

- A four-session psychoeducational program led to significant reductions in emotional dysregulation scores.
- The intervention improved functioning in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder over 12 months.

## Abstract

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.

Clinicaltrials.gov. ID NCT03299140. Registered on the 17th September, 2017.