Bipolar research study (Emote), £10 Cash reward!

EMOTE: Everyday momentary observations of thoughts and emotions

The EMOTE study uses innovative, interactive technology (i.e. Experience Sampling Methodology) to assess participants’ activity, sleep and mood over the course of a week. In particular, the EMOTE study focuses on how mood changes from moment to moment, the factors that are important in influencing these changes and how these changes differ between people with and without bipolar disorder. Additionally the EMOTE study will also explore whether there are differences in the stability and variability of sleep and activity patterns in individuals with and without bipolar disorder.

A total recruitment target of 200 participants will be sought from within the Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside areas. Specifically, the research team are looking for:

• 100 participants without a diagnosis of a mental health or chronic pain disorder diagnosis
• 50 participants with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder
• 50 participants with a fibromyalgia diagnosis
• All participants must not work night shifts and must be over 18 years old

The EMOTE study involves participants receiving a text message to their mobile phones at 10 random times a day for one week alerting them to fill in a short set of questions in a diary, asking about where they are, what they are doing and what they are thinking and feeling. Participants will also be asked to wear a movement sensor, also known as an ‘actigraph’ or ‘actwatch’. This is very similar to a wristwatch in appearance and should be worn for the same week as the text alerts are received. The data obtained from the actigraph will be used to calculate estimates of the stability of participants’ activity patterns.

Through taking part in the EMOTE study participants have the opportunity to reflect on their own day to day experiences as they occur and they will receive feedback regarding their activity and sleep patterns over the week. Participants will also be paid £10 as a ‘thank you’ for their participation.

It is hoped that by understanding more about the daily experiences of people with and without bipolar disorder, recommendations can be made which will inform and influence the practice of mental health professionals in delivering treatment and interventions to individuals with bipolar disorder.

Faye Banks                                         Heather Robinson                           Kay Hampshire

01524 592768                                     0161 276 3328                                    01524 593541

f.banks@lancaster.ac.uk h.robinson@lancaster.ac.uk k.hampshire@lancaster.ac.uk