A Targeted Approach to a Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) seek to launch a research initiative to address the rising use of antipsychotic medications by youth who do not suffer from a psychotic disorder. Most of the antipsychotic use in communities is for the management of non-psychotic conditions. Antipsychotic use increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and consequently, higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Additionally, the long-term implications of antipsychotic use in youth are unknown. For these reasons, efforts should be made to develop successful alternative treatment approaches that allow a more targeted and appropriate use of antipsychotics with the goal to minimize their usage by youths who do not suffer from a psychotic disorder.

The objective of this study is to successfully identify alternative treatments to the use of antipsychotics in youth (ages 5-17) that are not psychotic, which can manage the emotional and behavior disturbances of these children and adolescents.

The initiative is articulated around the following specific objectives, which will function as sequential phases (i.e., contract options):

A. PHASE 1 - Develop an algorithmic approach to the treatment of non-psychotic behavioral and mood disturbances of youth that minimizes antipsychotic exposure by using non-antipsychotic interventions first and, in case of use of antipsychotics, limiting their use to acute stabilization.

B. PHASE 2 - Pilot-test the algorithm(s) for feasibility, acceptability, preliminary effectiveness.

C. PHASE 3 - Test the effectiveness of the algorithmic approach vs. usual care in practice settings, using a mental health research network, and identify moderators and mediators of treatment outcome.

This is a Presolicitation Notice in advance of the Request for Proposal (RFP), and the Government is not committed to award a contract pursuant to this announcement. The RFP, HHS-NIH-NIDA(MH)-14-005, detailing the specifics of the project as well as information pertinent to the development of an offeror's proposal will be available electronically on or about December 22, 2014, and may be accessed through the Federal Business Opportunities website at: http://www.fedbizopps.gov under the NIMH posting section. No paper copies will be available. Proposals will be due on or about February 10, 2015. It is anticipated that one cost-reimbursement contract award will be made for a period of five (5) years beginning on or about August 1, 2015. Offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments and for routinely checking the Internet site for any possible solicitation amendments that may be issued by the Government. This advertisement does not commit the Government to