FORMER Mayor of Warrington Geoff Settle is seeking volunteers to take part in research study into older adults with Bipolar Disorder.
The Warrington Bipolar Support Group, which was launched by Geoff during his year in office, is co-operating with Dr Elizabeth Tyler, from the Spectrum Centre of Mental Health at Lancaster University.
The aim is to find out if Recovery Focused Therapy (RFT) can be used to the benefit of sufferers of the illness which if left unchecked can have fatal consequences.
To be considered eligible for the research people must have been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and be over 60 years of age.
Geoff established the first Bipolar Support Group in Warrington as part of his charity legacy in 2016.
He said: “I am the lead facilitator for the group and we meet at the Gateway Centre on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to talk about our experiences and share knowledge.
“Members have found this simple process very useful, especially as they are with like-minded people who understand what they are going through and do not judge them.
“There is no one bipolar disorder solution that fits all, but it is hoped that this study will provide evidence that RFT psychological techniques will become an additional method of managing the highs and lows associated with the illness.”
The RFT participants will be split equally and randomly into two groups. Half will have the opportunity to receive six months of individual, recovery focused therapy. The other half will be the control group and they will receive no new treatment.
The study is designed to validate the theory that the use of psychological techniques of RFT are of benefit to older Bipolar disorder people.
During the study, all participants will continue to take prescribed medication they use.
Geoff said: “When I signed on for the study Dr Tyler told me that the uptake had been good but there were a few places left and did I know any volunteers my age.
“Unfortunately, the Warrington Bipolar Support Group members are much younger than me. However, Warrington has 35,000 over 65s so statistically there are around 157 who potentially fit the criteria.”
There is no known cure for Bipolar disorder and it can be hereditary. In addition, the number of over 65s is set to rise as the UK experiences a rapid ageing of its population.
By taking part in the study participants will get the opportunity to make an important contribution to mental health and receive an immediate benefit for themselves and their family. They will not have to travel to Lancaster University’s campus because the researcher will visit them.
Anyone who would like to participate or find out more about the study should contact Dr Elizabeth Tyler, email [email protected] , tel. 07967 837938.
Further information can be found on the Bipolar UK web site https://www.bipolaruk.org/ email [email protected] or call 0333 323 3880.
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Thanks Warrington Worldwide for your continued support.