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Efficacy of a WeChat mini-program-based self-management intervention for bipolar disorder: A randomized controlled
Xiaoling Lin1, Zhengling Ba2, Dali Lu3
1School of Nursing, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China; School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|May 16, 2026
Summary
This study assessed a digital self-management tool for bipolar disorder (BD) in China. While not improving all outcomes, the intervention showed promise for reducing depressive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Mental health technology
- Bipolar disorder management
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) frequently leads to poor functional outcomes.
- Digital interventions present a scalable approach, yet evidence from China is limited.
- This study investigated the efficacy of "Mood Calm," a WeChat mini-program-based self-management intervention for BD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the "Mood Calm" digital intervention.
- To assess improvements in psychosocial functioning, quality of life (QoL), and clinical outcomes in patients with BD.
- To address the scarcity of evidence regarding digital interventions for BD in China.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 81 euthymic patients with BD.
- Intervention group received "Mood Calm" plus online group psychoeducation; control group received standard care.
- Outcomes including psychosocial functioning, QoL, mood symptoms, and self-management were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- No significant group × time interaction for psychosocial functioning or QoL.
- A significant interaction effect was observed for depressive symptoms (Bonferroni-corrected P=0.019).
- Pairwise comparisons did not confirm between-group differences at individual time points for most outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The "Mood Calm" digital intervention showed a significant effect on depressive symptoms.
- Digital self-management tools may supplement standard care for BD.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is required to confirm these findings.