Max Gray CHAMP Research

The philosophy of the UCLA Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Clinic is to conduct state-of-the-art treatment studies to enhance clinical care for youth and young adults with bipolar disorder or other mood challenges, and their families.

Max Gray CHAMP Research Program is currently looking for families interested in ketogenic therapy and/or other bipolar treatments for youth 12 to 21 with bipolar disorders. We are also interested in interviewing teens ages 13 to 17 with depressive symptoms who use social media.

Please see the Research Projects below & contact us if interested in one of our currently enrolling studies.

A KETOGENIC THERAPY STUDY FOR YOUTH WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER--NOW ENROLLING

This is a NEW pilot study of ketogenic diet therapy for youth ages 12 to 21 with bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) across four US sites of The Childhood Bipolar Network (CBN). The primary aims of this study are to learn whether combining a 16-week ketogenic diet (low carbohydrate, moderate protein, high fat) with standard of care psychiatric treatment is feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with youth improvement (such as in depression, executive functioning, metabolic variables, and inflammatory markers). Youth with BSD (up to 20/site) will participate in eligibility assessments and follow along research visits (with some in person and some via telehealth). Parental involvement is encouraged and required for minors. Youth will meet with their dietician online on a weekly basis, and they are provided fresh keto meals delivered to their residence (or compensation for keto groceries). Families also receive nutritional and bipolar education and motivational tips. No medication is provided or required as part of the study but a study psychiatrist will oversee their care at monthly visits; as appropriate, youth may be offered medication management or referrals. At-home fingerstick testing multiple times per week is required during the diet. Compensation is provided for completing fingerstick tests, research interviews, questionnaires, and bloodwork.

Project Contact: CHAMP Clinic (310-825-2836)

More information: Keto Study Press Release

CHILD BIPOLAR NETWORK--NOW ENROLLING

This is a naturalistic treatment and follow-up study of youth with bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) across four US sites of The Childhood Bipolar Network (CBN). CBN sites have expertise in diagnosing, assessing, and treating BSDs in youth. The primary aims of this study are to (1) identify and reliably diagnose youth (ages 9 to 21 yrs) with full bipolar disorder (BD) and BSDs, and (2) examine predictors (e.g., mood instability, inflammatory marker C-reactive protein) of clinical outcome over a 12 month period. Participating youth will initially complete a screening that includes a structured diagnostic interview and a baseline blood draw to measure inflammatory processes. Youth with BSD and parents (80 families) will be asked to participate in multiple follow up research visits with interviews, rating instruments, and questionnaires. Per established CBN guidelines, study psychiatrists will provide and track medication management and sites will also track psychosocial treatments. This study ultimately aims to further understanding of best practice pediatric BSD psychiatric and psychosocial treatments and development of a standardized and validated set of clinical tools for patient assessment, diagnosis, and tracking.

Project Contact: CHAMP Clinic (310-825-2836)

More information: Child Bipolar Network

MOOD AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN TEENAGER

This is a new study for teens (ages 13-17) with at least a few depressive symptoms who use any level of social media. This research study aims to examine how social media affects teenage mood disorders, examining both strengths and potential downfalls. Parents and teens will both participate in a mix of online interviews and surveys. The study lasts 3 months. No treatment is offered, but parents and teens will be compensated for their time, and responses are private and confidential.