Mood Disorders (including anxiety, depression and bi-polar disorder)
Who is involved in our studies?
‘Mood disorders’ is encompass a range of different conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by manic and depressive episodes that are separated by periods of low mood. Those diagnosed with a mood disorder may experience difficultly sleeping and changes in appetite and or/concentration. Mood disorders are very common.
At Oxford Health, researchers are interested in learning more about the causes of mood disorders, with the aim of developing better treatments. Researchers are also interested in learning more about how we may be able to prevent mood disorders through early identification.
Current research
Current Studies
CRIB2
Principle Investigator: Professor Paul Harrison-Professor of Psychiatry
Objective: We are aiming to understand if cognitive remediation therapy is an effective therapy in those with bipolar disorder compared to treatment as usual. People with bipolar often struggle with cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, problem-solving and decision-making skills. This therapy is aimed at addressing these cognitive symptoms and improving quality of life and diagnosis understanding.
ASCEND
Principle Investigator: Professor Cipriani-Director of the Clinical Research Facility and Eodardo Ostinell- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: We want to find out if using a sertraline/aripiprazole combination will be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms in people with bipolar.
GLAD
Principle Investigator: Francesca Waddington- Senior Clinical Research Assistant
Objective: The GLAD study is investigating genetic factors of anxiety and depression. All participants will be invited to join the NIHR Mental Health BioResource which will in future offer participants further relevant research opportunities.
CONTACT-GAD
Principle Investigator: Dr Phillip Wilkinson- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: Aiming to understand if a new form of ACT therapy for older people with treatment resistant Generalised Anxiety Disorder. combined with treatment as usual, is effective in reducing anxiety compared to usual care alone.
RECOLLECT2
Principle Investigator: Stephanie Byrne- Head Of Recovery College
Objective: Exploring the impact of Recovery Colleges on student outcomes and factors which affect these such as effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Recovery Colleges.
COMPASS
Principle Investigator: Dr Katherine Smith- Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: This study will explore whether an investigational medicine, COMP360 together with psychological support is an effective treatment for people who have not been helped by prior treatment for their depression.
DPIM
Principle Investigator: Dr Digby Quested- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: To find genetic or other cause of mental illness by studying DNA in the blood or saliva .
MAPS- MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
Principle Investigator: Dr Thomas Reilly
Objective: This study aims to measure how mental health symptoms changes across the menstrual cycle.
We have a verity of different studies. Some involve a questionnaires, some involve a therapy and some involve taking a medication. Some take place in our research clinics, in a clinical team base or sometimes they can take place in your home.
We are sometimes able to contact people directly about research, or get referrals from clinical teams. We are always appreciate hearing from people who are interested in getting involved.
Key contacts
There are many opportunities to become involved in research at Oxford Health if you experience a mood disorder. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us on: mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk for further information on our current research opportunities.
Previous research studies
You can find more information on previous research studies here.
Research Clinics
You may also be interested in visiting our Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) clinic page which also offers opportunities to take part in research (Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic – NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre. The Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic is for people with depression which has not responded to treatment with antidepressant medication. You can contact the TRD clinic directly on oxfordhealth.trdclinic@nhs.net
Page last reviewed: 20 March, 2025