Using smartphone apps to predict episodes in bipolar disorder

mHealth Estimate-based Algorithms Signaling Upcoming Recurrence of Episodes in Bipolar Disorders (MEASURE-BD)

NIH-funded research Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11034077

This study is testing a smartphone app that helps veterans with bipolar disorder by tracking their mood and social activities, so they can get early warnings about mood changes and receive support before things get too difficult.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMinneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11034077 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing mobile health (mHealth) algorithms that can signal upcoming episodes in veterans with bipolar disorder. By utilizing smartphone applications, the study aims to continuously monitor patients' mood and social participation in real-time, providing early warnings of potential mood episodes. This approach addresses the challenge of patients' decreased insight during acute episodes, which often hinders timely self-reporting of symptoms. The goal is to enable timely interventions that can prevent severe psychosocial impairments associated with bipolar disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are willing to use a smartphone application for monitoring their mood and activities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to smartphones or are unable to engage with mobile technology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and management of bipolar episodes, enhancing the quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While mHealth approaches have shown promise in other populations, this specific application in veterans with bipolar disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions bipolar affective disorderbipolar diseaseBipolar Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.