During the BART trial, several research participants shared their experiences of participating in the study. Some described their experience of receiving the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBTBAR) intervention as like learning to ride a bike with stabilizers. One participant expressed that “it’s just the best thing I ever did ever.” 

These positive experiences are a testament to the impact that the CBT intervention can have on individuals who are at risk of developing bipolar disorder. Professor Sophie Parker, who served as the chief investigator for both BART and BART II, commented on the positive outcomes of the BART trial at its conclusion. Professor Parker’s involvement in both trials highlights the continued commitment to investigating the efficacy of the CBT intervention and improving the lives of those who are at risk of developing bipolar disorder.  

“Our research group believes passionately that offering preventative approaches will help us to improve upon and develop appropriate services for young people who are often not catered for within the NHS. We have been pivotal in the development of this approach for young people at high risk of developing psychosis within the UK. Through this work we were coming into contact with individuals who also reported significant concerns about their mood and were attempting to access help with very little success. When we were awarded the Research for Patient Benefit grant we were thrilled to bring this approach to young people with distressing mood swings. The BART trial has received a great deal of interest from service users and from staff in our own footprint as well as staff nationally and internationally. It appears to have real relevance and is of true value to the NHS patients it is trying to serve and their families. We are really looking forward to using the positive findings from this trial to gain larger funding to test this approach across a number of centres within the UK to explore how effective this approach is for young people.”