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The ASCEnD study compares how useful and effective different drugs are in treating people who have bipolar disorder and are currently experiencing depression.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made in people who have previously been hypomanic or manic. It occurs in over one in a hundred people. Depression is common in people who have bipolar disorder. We call this bipolar depression. The treatment of depression is different in people who have bipolar disorder. There are currently limited treatment options available for people experiencing bipolar depression. In addition, some of these treatments have unwanted side effects and cannot be prescribed by a GP.

In this study, we will use a combination of an antidepressant (sertraline) and aripriprazole. This combination works well in people who are depressed but who don’t have bipolar disorder. We think that this combination will work in bipolar depression but need this large study to test this. We will compare this with a drug called quetiapine. Quetiapine is a common treatment for people experiencing bipolar depression. All three drugs are already commonly used in the NHS and their safety profile is well known.

People who take part in the study will be given either the sertraline/aripiprazole combination, or quetiapine. You and your doctor will know which drugs you are taking.

Who can take part in ASCEnD?

You may be able to take part if you have bipolar disorder and are currently depressed.

Am I bipolar?

Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and thoughts raced through your head, or you couldn’t slow your mind down? You can find more information on the Bipolar UK website.

How can I take part in ASCEnD?

The ASCEnD study is working in collaboration with Research+Me to manage study recruitment. When you register to Research+Me and specify you have bipolar disorder, you will be added to a waiting list and receive a questionnaire which will help identify whether you might eligible for ASCEnD. ASCEnD trial staff may then contact you to organise a face-to-face appointment when your nearest study site is open and ready to accept more participants.

For more information on the ASCEnD study, please visit the patient information page on the ASCEnD website.

What is Research+Me?

Research+Me is a registry for people who want to find out about opportunities to take part in research. ASCEnD is one of the studies that is being offered to people who sign up. When you sign up to Research+Me, you will hear about any studies that you may be eligible for. This includes studies about depression, such as ASCEnD, and you can also choose to hear about studies related to other conditions. Taking part is entirely optional.

You may not hear from us immediately when you sign up to Research+Me, and will be contacted via email once your local centre is open and ready to recruit. Find out more on our FAQ page.

Would you like to hear more about this study?

Sign up to Research+Me today!

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