Study of Aripiprazole to Reduce Medical Risks in Bipolar Disorder

The proposed study is a non-randomized, open label trial that will examine the potential to reduce metabolic risk factors in patients with bipolar I disorder and improve psychiatric and functional outcomes. To accomplish our objective, we plan to conduct a 5-month intervention of 50 obese or overweight adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The study will be divided in three steps: Screening, Baseline Period (cross taper to aripiprazole, up to 2 months in duration), Months 1-3 (continued aripiprazole treatment). Subjects will be assessed and meet with their study psychiatrist at least bi-monthly throughout their participation, more frequently when clinically necessary (e.g. during medication tapering or if manic/depressive symptoms emerge). Brief clinical assessments will be conducted at each visit. More thorough assessments will be conducted at Baseline, Week 2, and Month 3.