Evaluation of Family- Focused-Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy ”RAINBOW” for Pediatric Bipolar Disorders Adapted to Adolescents in Sweden: A Case Series

Abstract: The RAINBOW program, a Child and Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program (CFF-CBT) for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder (PBD) designed for children aged 8-12 years and their parents, in a parallel group format, has been adapted to adolescents aged 14-17. The aim of this study was to investigate if CFF-CBT is effective and feasible for adolescents and their parents in Sweden. Method: The sample of seven adolescents with PBD and eleven parents participated in the Rainbow-program consisting of 12 sessions over a three month period. The adolescents and parents were assessed pre- and post treatment with focus on symptoms of mania and depression, psychosocial functioning, expressed emotion and increased knowledge and skills to cope with the disorder. For the adolescents a case series design was used and clinical significance applied as statistical method. A quasi-experimental design with paired t-test was also used. Results: Psychosocial functioning improved when rated by parents and clinicians. Parent self rated Expressed Emotions improved. No changes were observed in symptoms of mania and depression. Conclusions: The RAINBOW program seems feasible and possibly effective for adolescents and their families in Sweden with minor adaptations.