Welcome to another edition of Common Ground Online. Here's what's in this week's edition:
- Smoothing the Transition from Medications to EMPowerplus
- Double-Blind Study Underway Using EMPowerplus soon to be Complete
Imagine that your mood is one end of a seesaw (or teeter-totter). Brain chemistry is like the person on the other end – it controls mood. The wrong brain chemistry can send your mood up or down violently, and it can be scary and hurt.
For people who are not on psychiatric medications, starting EMPowerplus is like having just the right person get on the opposite end of the seesaw. Your mood can go up or down from time to time, but it’s gentle and under control.
For people who are on psychiatric medications, starting EMPowerplus is different. Medications are like a person at the other end whose turn on the seesaw is finished. Stopping medications too quickly is like having that person jump off. It’s called drug withdrawal. Your mood can crash, and it can hurt. On the other hand, adding EMPowerplus to the other end of the seesaw and leaving medications on for too long can quickly make you feel over-medicated and uncomfortable.
Making the transition from psychiatric medications to EMPowerplus can be tricky, but many people have done it
successfully with the right help, as independent scientific research on EMPowerplus has shown. From more than a decade of experience,
Truehope has developed ways to make the transition as comfortable as possible for you. Staying in close touch with Truehope support during this time can be like having people nearby to help keep the seesaw steady during the transition.
In April 2005 a randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with bipolar disorder, sponsored by the University of Calgary and Alberta Innovation and Science, was started using
EMPowerplus. The study, which will involve the participation of upwards of 96 bipolar sufferers, is scheduled for completion in March 2008. This study will add a new dimension
to the 5 impressive medical journal articles already published on EMPowerplus.
Because of the interest of non-medicated sufferers of Bipolar I and Bipolar II to participate in this research, the study is underway at two locations--in Canada and the United States. Dr. Bonnie J. Kaplan, PhD, is the principal investigator at the University of Calgary with Dr. J. Steven A. Simpson, PhD, MD, as a sub-investigator. In San Diego, California, Dr. Estelle T. Goldstein, MD, is the principal researcher.
New participants in the study are still welcome. Both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals may be eligible. Check out details at www.moodstudy.com.
Hypothesis:
The scientists involved have hypothesized that non-medicated patients who take EMPowerplus for as little as 8 weeks will experience an improvement in their mood
stability
relative to those who only take the placebo.
Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome measures for this study will be evaluated by the clinician using the OBI (Overall Bipolarity Index), which is a composite of the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale.
Secondary outcome measures will be
assessed
by the clinician using the Global Clinical Impressions (a rating for severity), an Outcome Questionnaire (a self-report
questionnaire), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (which assesses functional states and health-related quality of life).
Description:
All participants in the study will receive either the placebo or EMPowerplus for a period of 8-weeks under randomized and fully blinded conditions. During this 8- week period, each individual in the study will be under close medical supervision and will have weekly appointments with their practitioner. After the 8-week period, all participants will be given the opportunity of entering an 8-week open-label extension.
The rate of response in this research is defined as a reduction of 50% or more in either the depression or mood elevation component of the OBI.
For more details about the double-blind study, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Have you missed an edition of Common Ground Online? Are you new to the Truehope Program? Visit our email archive page for a directory of all previous Common Ground newsletters. These emails are loaded with useful information that can help you succeed on EMPowerplus and the Truehope Program.
Help us to serve you better. Send your questions or comments about the Truehope Program, EMPowerplus, or our support resources to feedback@truehope.com or call 1-888-878-3467 to speak to a Truehope Support Specialist.
We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date program information so that you can continue to make informed decisions regarding your health. Our hope is that you will find hope, healing, and health through education and continued support.
Yours in health,
The Truehope Staff
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