Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust‘s Mental Health Research Delivery Team have successfully recruited the first participants to the ASCEnD study into bipolar disorder, which is being carried out at the Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF).
The ASCEnD study aims to address the limited treatment options available for people experiencing depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
The study compares the clinical and cost effectiveness of a combination of two drugs, aripiprazole and sertraline, in comparison to quetiapine, a commonly prescribed treatment for people with bipolar disorder experiencing depression.
All three drugs are already prescribed on the NHS; however, the study aims to find out if aripiprazole and sertraline combination will be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms in people with bipolar, over the use of quetiapine alone.
The study team are actively seeking more participants to take part in the open-labelled, randomised controlled-trial at the Trust.
ASCEnD study entry criteria
To volunteer for the study, you must:
- Be 18 or above
- Have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and currently experiencing depressive symptoms
- Not be pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period (24 weeks)
- Not be currently breastfeeding
- Not have a severe substance use disorder
A further discussion will be needed if you are currently participating other clinical interventional trials.
Study Participation
Participants will be invited to attend an initial appointment with the research team at the OH CRF on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford to discuss the study, provide written consent, confirm eligibility and complete baseline questionnaires.
Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a combination of sertraline and aripiprazole or quetiapine, complete weekly online questionnaires and have regular calls with study research assistants to discuss mood, behaviours, symptoms and medication.
Dr Andrea Paggi, Speciality Doctor in Clinical Research said: “The recruitment of the first participants to the ASCEnD study at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust marks a significant milestone.
“Bipolar disorder, particularly its depressive phase, remains one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat effectively. Despite the availability of various medications, many patients continue to struggle with persistent depressive symptoms.
“By rigorously evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of these treatment options, we hope to uncover new, more effective strategies for managing bipolar depression.
The findings from this research could pave the way for improved therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals affected by this debilitating condition.”
For further information or to volunteer for the ASCEnD study, please contact mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk