First participants recruited to bipolar depression study at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

The Ascend study aims to take into account the limited treatment options for people with depressed symptoms in connection with bipolar disorder.

The study compares the clinical and cost effectiveness of a combination of two drugs Aripiprazole and Sertralin compared to Quetiapine, frequently prescribed treatment of people with bipolar disorder that has depression.

All three medication are already prescribed on the NHS; However, the study is intended to find out whether Aripiprazole and Sertralin combination in people with bipolar bipolar will only be an advantage when using quetiapine.

The study team is actively looking for more participants to take part in the open, randomized controlled trial.

Stocking the study input criteria

In order to volunteer for the study, you must:

• 18 or more to be
• Diagnose a bipolar disorder and currently have depressive symptoms
• Not be pregnant or plan to get pregnant during the investigation period (24 weeks) (24 weeks)
• Currently do not breastfeed
• Have no severe substance disorder

Another discussion is required if you are currently participating in other clinical intervention studies.

Participation in study

The participants are invited to take part in the first appointment with the research team in the Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility at the Warneford Hospital location in Oxford in order to discuss the study to confirm written consent, to confirm the authorization and to fulfill the basic questionnaires.

The participants accidentally receive either a combination of sertraline and aripiprazole or quetiapine, weekly online questionnaires and have regular calls with study research assistants to discuss mood, behavior, symptoms and medication.

Dr. Andrea Paggi, specialist in clinical research, said: “The recruitment of the first participants in the Ascend study at the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is an important milestone.

“Bipolar disorder, in particular the depressive phase, remains one of the most difficult mental illnesses to treat effectively. Despite the availability of different drugs, many patients continue to fight with persistent depressive symptoms.

“By assessing the clinical and cost effectiveness of these treatment options, we hope to uncover new, more effective strategies for the treatment of bipolar depression.

The results of this research could pave the way for improved therapeutic approaches and ultimately improve the quality of life for countless people affected by this weakening illness. “

For more information or to report voluntarily for the Ascend study, please contact [email protected]