Finding the best tools for managing bipolar disorder in clinical care
Official title: Bipolar disorder measures in clinical care
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10794406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find the best tools for patients and doctors to track bipolar disorder symptoms, so they can work together to improve care and see how regular check-ins compare to usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH125935-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10794406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are seeking effective management strategies for their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or those who are not currently receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify which validated instruments for measuring bipolar disorder are most acceptable and useful for both patients and clinicians. It will demonstrate how the preferred tool can effectively monitor patient outcomes in routine care. Additionally, the study will assess the feasibility of comparing measurement-based care (MBC) to standard care through a randomized trial. MBC involves regular assessments of a patient's clinical status to guide treatment decisions, which can significantly improve the management of fluctuating symptoms in bipolar disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of bipolar disorder, enhancing the quality of care and patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that measurement-based care can improve treatment outcomes in various mental health conditions, suggesting a promising approach for bipolar disorder as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanchard, Brittany Elizabeth — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Blanchard, Brittany Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
Researchers are using thousands of MRI scans to map fine-grained brain structure differences in people with bipolar disorder and major depression compared with people without these conditions.
-
Understanding how mood swings happen in bipolar disorder
Researchers are testing a high-tech brain imaging approach to map how emotions flare and fade in people with bipolar disorder.
-
Cerebellum and mood in bipolar disorder
A long-term study will look at how the cerebellum’s signals and metabolism relate to mood changes in people with bipolar I and compare them with non-affected individuals.
-
Biological signs linked to alcohol problems in young people with bipolar disorder
This project will look for brain and stress-related signs that predict which young people with bipolar disorder and their peers may go on to develop alcohol problems.
-
Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
This project uses short sessions of rapid, noninvasive brain stimulation aimed at a specific brain area to help people with bipolar disorder improve control over emotions.
-
Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
This project will combine genetic information and gene-activity (RNA) data from Latino people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and people without these conditions to find genes that raise disease risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.