Addiction Recovery Management Service
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA

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Medication Treatment Study for Youth with Moodiness and Substance Use

Youth with substance use disorders often have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is commonly associated with mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. When the two disorders occur at the same time individuals are more likely to have more problems such as increased rates of psychiatric hospitalization, thoughts of death, and legal problems. It is important to treat both disorders to help youth feel and function better. Medication, such as mood stabilizers, has been shown to be very effective for the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is limited information however on effective treatments for youth with bipolar disorder when they also have a substance use disorder.

Only one research study has been published to date evaluating a medication called lithium for the treatment of youth with substance use disorders and bipolar disorder. This study showed that treatment with lithium helped decrease substance use and improved overall functioning. Since this study was published a new type of mood stabilizer has been developed called second generation antipsychotic medication. Second generation antipsychotic medication has been shown to be particularly effective for the treatment of youth with bipolar disorder.

There is a need to evaluate more treatment options for youth with a substance use disorder and bipolar disorder. We are therefore recruiting youth ages 15 to 24 years old with a substance use disorder and bipolar disorder to evaluate the effect of quetiapine (seroquel) on substance use and mood symptoms over eight weeks. Youth enrolled in our study will benefit from rapid access to a free detailed psychiatric evaluation and close supervision during the study. In addition, participants will receive $200 for participating in the study and will be compensated for travel to and from ARMS for study visits. Please contact Lindsay Rosenthal at (617) 724-9523 or Dr. Amy Yule at 617-643-4694 if you are interested in study participation or have further questions.

The Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) specializes in supporting teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 26, and their parents, as they deal with their substance use and related problems. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 617-643-4699.