Using smartphone apps to monitor mood changes in bipolar disorder
Official title: Detecting dynamic fluctuations in emotion, mood, and functioning: A digital phenotyping approach to clinical monitoring in bipolar disorder
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11000842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a new smartphone app can help people with bipolar disorder keep track of their moods in real-time, making it easier to understand their emotional ups and downs over six months without needing constant check-ins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130411-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder who experience mood instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or those with stable mood patterns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how smartphone applications can be used to continuously monitor emotional patterns in individuals with bipolar disorder. By utilizing a method called ecological momentary assessment (EMA) alongside a new app called PRIORI, the study aims to unobtrusively track mood fluctuations and predict mood symptoms. Participants will engage in a six-month protocol where their emotional states are assessed through passive monitoring of ambient audio, allowing for a more accurate understanding of their mood dynamics without the burden of frequent assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and management of mood symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital phenotyping and mobile applications for monitoring mental health, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcinnis, Melvin G — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mcinnis, Melvin G
Related research
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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.