We work in partnership with research institutions to help design, undertake and disseminate the results of high quality research leading to new treatments.


Research can aassist 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:

James Lind Alliance

Suzanne Hudson, our Chief Executive, represents Bipolar UK in the James Lind Alliance Steering Group focusing on bipolar.

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 new study for relatives and friends of individuals 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 the REACT study on their website.

Beating Bipolar - an internet based educational treatment for bipolar

Launched in January 2011, Beating Bipolar is the first 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 and use a forum, which is moderated by a member of the BEPC team. BEPC are delighted to be able to offer free access to Beating Bipolar to everyone with the diagnosis of bipolar and to mental health professionals in the UK.

Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN)

BDRN and Bipolar UK work closely together. 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 www.bdrn.org or email moodresearch@cf.ac.uk.

University of Manchester

The team are currently evaluating a new type of cognitive behavioural therapy for people with bipolar called TEAMS: Think Effectively About Mood Swings. They are looking for volunteers who have bipolar and not currently requiring hospital treatment but who may want help with current mood, anxiety and other difficulties.


If you are interested in participating, please call Sarah Alsawy or Anna Ridding on 0161 773 9121 ext 3348.

Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London

Bipolar UK’s Vice Chair, Clare Dolman, is conducting a research project on: ‘Women with Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy: factors influencing their decision-making regarding treatment’.

If you would like to contact us about a proposed research partnership, please see our Research Institute Protocol

Students

Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to assist students with essays or research projects. Our website does feature a lot of information and resources, which you may find useful.

You are welcome to use this information for your own use and for use within projects, taking account of your own responsibilities to cite sources.