Research can assist us as an evidenced-based organisation, helping lead service and policy developments. Service user participation is core to this work.

The following highlights major research currently being conducted in partnership with Bipolar UK:

The FAB Study, Newcastle University & Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust

A study of Family focused treatments for Adolescents with Bipolar.

Researchers in America have developed a family focused treatment programme (a talking therapy which has 3 aims: improving education, communication and problem solving) for young people and their families who have bipolar disorder. The FAB study would like to see if this treatment would work in England and is looking for families to help with their research.

REACT - a study for relatives and friends of people with bipolar and psychosis

The REACT (Relative Education and Coping Toolkit) online trial is looking into the effectiveness of an online toolkit for relatives and friends of individuals with bipolar or psychosis. The study is being run by researchers from Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster University, Liverpool University and University College London with funding from the National Institute for Health Research.

The online toolkit contains information, strategies for coping with common issues, and personal stories from other relatives in similar situations. Participants can also access additional support from a trained REACT Supporter. Find out more about on the REACT study website.

Beating Bipolar - an internet based educational treatment for bipolar

Beating Bipolar is a web-based education treatment for bipolar. The intervention covers key areas such as the diagnosis and causes of bipolar disorder; role of medication; relapse prevention and early intervention; psychological approaches to treatment; the role of lifestyle in treatment of bipolar disorder; advice for family and carers; and bipolar disorder and women.

The delivery of the intervention is entirely web-based in the form of eight modules consisting of video material including a number of interactive exercises in which users are invited to feedback information about their condition. Find out more on the Beating Bipolar website.

Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN)

BDRN and Bipolar UK work closely together.

Bipolar disorder, pregnancy and childbirth

At the current time BDRN are conducting a study looking at pregnancy and childbirth in women with bipolar.

BDRN are very interested to hear from women who have experienced an episode of bipolar when pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy. The study will involve being interviewed at home, giving a blood sample, filling in some questionnaires during pregnancy and a follow up telephone interview three months after childbirth.

We hope this research will help us understand more about why some women become severely ill following childbirth and lead to better treatments. For further information please call 029 2074 4392, visit BDRN website or email [email protected].

True Colours

BDRN is looking for participants for a new study, True Colours. This study involves individuals with bipolar to monitor their mood by completing quick, simple questions every week about their mood. This will help BDRN learn more about how mood symptoms change over time for individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar. It will also help show how mood is affected by changes in routine.

If you'd like to find out more or take part, visit the BDRN website or contact the team directly on 01905 542 880 or email [email protected].

The Spectrum Centre, Lancaster University

Are you over 60 with a diagnosis of bipolar? The Spectrum Centre is conducting a study, exploring a recovery-focused CBT intervention for 6 months alongside individuals' current treatment. All participants will be followed up for a 12 month period and asked to complete telephone interviews and questionnaires.

There has been little research into older adults with bipolar and this study hopes to focus on the impact of therapy on recovery, quality of life, and symptoms.

For more information, please contact Dr Elizabeth Tyler by emailing [email protected], calling 07967 837 938, or visit the Spectrum Centre website.