Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Mental Health Mission Mood Disorder Cohort Study

This study, called the Mental Health Mission Mood Disorder Cohort Study, focuses on understanding why treatments for depression, including major depression and bipolar depression, work for some people but not others. Researchers will look at many different things, such as symptoms reported by both doctors and patients, family background, thinking skills, genetic information, body chemistry, and the body's defence system. The aim is to gather lots of information and cell samples to help develop better ways to diagnose and treat mood disorders that have been difficult to manage. By taking part, you could help future clinical trials find new and improved treatments within the NHS, universities, and drug companies.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2028

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder Depression Bipolar Treatment Resistant Depression

What is this study about?

Imagine you or someone you know has depression, and it feels like finding the right treatment is a real challenge. This study, called the Mental Health Mission Mood Disorder Cohort Study, is designed to help understand why this happens. Researchers want to find out why some people get better with existing treatments for depression, including major depression and bipolar disorder, while others don't.

They plan to do this by looking at many different aspects of a person's health. This includes listening to what patients and doctors say about symptoms, gathering information about a person's background, and checking things like thinking skills. They will also look deeply into your body, examining your genes (your body's instruction manual), your body's chemical processes, the proteins in your body, and how your immune system (your body's defence team) is working.

The real goal is to use all this information and collected cell samples to open the door to new discoveries. These discoveries could lead to much-needed improvements in how doctors diagnose and treat mood disorders, especially those that are currently hard to treat. This study sets the stage for future clinical trials within the NHS, universities, and pharmaceutical companies, ultimately aiming for better care for everyone.

Key takeaways

Helps understand why depression treatments work differently.
Contributes to finding new ways to diagnose and treat mood disorders.
Involves sharing health information and providing samples.
Aims to improve care for people with depression in the future.
Your participation could open doors to future treatment trials.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must have received a diagnosis of either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder from a doctor, using standard diagnostic guidelines.

It's important that you are willing and able to understand what the study involves and provide your consent to take part. You also need to be able to communicate effectively in English to complete the study activities, as determined by the research team.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're unable to complete the study activities, or if you need urgent medical attention that the research clinic cannot provide, you wouldn't be eligible. The study team will assess all these points carefully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part?
Can you complete study tasks in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves providing information about your medical history and symptoms, which will be gathered by both a doctor and through questionnaires you fill out yourself. You may also be asked to do some tasks that assess your thinking skills. The study will involve giving samples for genetic analysis, chemical measurements of your metabolism, protein analysis, and checking your immune system markers. You will also be asked to provide cell samples to help with future research. The total duration of your active participation will depend on the specific assessments, but as it's a cohort study, it focuses on collecting data and samples to be used for future research. You will be asked if you'd like to be contacted again for future experimental studies or clinical trials.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you personally, but the information and samples you provide are incredibly valuable. They will help researchers gain a better understanding of mood disorders, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for many people in the future. There are minimal risks involved, mainly the time taken for appointments and the discomfort of providing samples, such as blood. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Clinical Research Facility, Warneford Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of depression are you studying?

We are looking at major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, specifically trying to understand why treatments work differently for people.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

This study does not offer new treatments directly. It's about gathering information to help develop future treatments. However, you might be contacted about future treatment trials if you agree.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll be asked about your symptoms, do some thinking tasks, and provide samples like blood for genetic and chemical tests.

How long will I be involved?

The study collects information and samples to create a valuable resource. Your active participation will involve initial assessments, but you might be asked if you'd like to be contacted for future studies.

Do I have to speak English to join?

Yes, you need to have a good enough command of English to complete the study requirements, as assessed by our team.

How to find out more

Alexander Lewis

alexander.lewis@psych.ox.ac.uk +441865618152 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.