RAINBOW: A Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment manual designed specifically for children ages 7–13 with bipolar spectrum disorders and their families. Developed by experts in pediatric mood disorders and tested in a randomized clinical trial (RCT), RAINBOW integrates psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with complementary techniques from mindfulness-based intervention, positive psychology, and interpersonal therapy to address the range of therapeutic needs of families affected by this disorder. Guided by the evidence on the neurobiological and psychosocial difficulties accompanying pediatric bipolar disorder, this treatment targets the child and family across seven core components: Routine, Affect Regulation, I Can Do It, No Negative Thoughts and Live in the Now, Be a Good Friend/Balanced Lifestyle for Parents, Oh How Do We Solve This Problem, and Ways to Get Support. Throughout the treatment, the child and family will learn how to identify mood states and triggers of mood dysregulation, and develop cognitive and behavioral strategies for improving mood stability. Children will build social skills, and caregivers will develop greater balance and self-care in their own lives. The family will learn ways to use routines, problem-solving, and social support to improve overall family functioning. Intended for qualified child-focused mental health professionals, this manual includes the conceptual background of the treatment and user-friendly step-by-step instruction in delivering RAINBOW with families, including handy session outlines and engaging worksheets for the child and caregiver(s).
Mediators in the randomized trial of Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder