Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Examining Lithium's Mechanism in Bipolar Disorder

This study wants to understand how lithium, a medicine often used for bipolar disorder, affects how healthy people respond to light. We're looking at both visual responses (how you see light) and non-visual responses (how light affects things like your sleep hormone, mood, and how awake you feel). We believe that taking lithium might change these reactions to light, depending on how much lithium is in your brain. To find this out, we'll give healthy volunteers lithium and then measure how their bodies and brains react to light. We'll also use special scans to see where the lithium goes in the brain and study blood samples to see how genes are affected. This research could help us learn more about how lithium works for people with bipolar disorder.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2029

Healthy Bipolar

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how a medicine called lithium affects people's reactions to light. Lithium is often used to treat bipolar disorder, a condition that causes extreme mood swings. However, we don't fully understand all the ways it works in the body.

In this study, we're particularly interested in how light affects us, not just how we see it, but also how it influences our sleep, mood, and how awake we feel. We believe that lithium might change these reactions to light. By studying healthy volunteers, we hope to see if taking lithium changes how their bodies and brains respond to light. We'll also use special scanning techniques to see how lithium is distributed in the brain and examine blood samples to understand changes at a very tiny level.

The main goal is to get a clearer picture of how lithium works. This information could be very helpful in understanding why lithium is an effective treatment for conditions like bipolar disorder, and potentially lead to better treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores how lithium affects light responses in healthy people.
It aims to understand how lithium works in the brain.
Participation involves taking lithium and controlled light exposure.
Brain scans and blood tests will be used to gather information.
The research could help improve treatments for bipolar disorder.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy person aged between 18 and 40 years old, speak and write English well, and have a regular sleep pattern, usually getting between 6.5 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Your weight should also be within a healthy range for your height (BMI between 18 and 28).

There are several reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have a history of mental health or brain conditions, or if a close family member has experienced severe mood disorders. You also can't participate if you have certain ongoing health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies (especially to nuts), or if you're taking many long-term medications (like antidepressants, strong pain killers, or medicines for high blood pressure). We also can't include you if you've recently donated blood, use recreational drugs, misuse alcohol, or if you smoke.

Women who wish to participate must be using effective contraception or not be at risk of pregnancy during the study. If you have any metal implants that prevent you from having an MRI scan, or if you're very claustrophobic, you won't be able to join. Lastly, if you work night shifts, have done so recently, or plan to travel across different time zones during the study, you wouldn't be suitable.

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 between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you speak and write English fluently?
Do you usually sleep between 6.5 and 9 hours a night?
Do you have a healthy weight for your height (BMI 18-28)?
Do you have any ongoing serious medical conditions or a history of mental health problems?
Are you currently taking any long-term medications (excluding birth control)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be given lithium carbonate, a medicine usually used for bipolar disorder. You will also experience controlled light exposure, meaning your exposure to different types of light will be carefully managed. During the study, researchers will measure various things like your sleep hormone levels, how awake you feel, your mood, and use special brain scans to see how the lithium is affecting you and where it goes in your brain. They will also take blood samples to look at tiny changes in your genes.

The study involves several visits to the clinic and will last for a certain period, which will be explained in full detail. You'll need to follow specific instructions, especially about your sleep and light exposure. The total duration of your involvement will be clearly outlined by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a small benefit by helping us understand how a common medication works, which could improve future treatments for others. However, there are potential risks, as with any medicine. Lithium can have side effects, and these will be fully explained to you before you agree to take part. You will be closely monitored for any reactions. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is lithium and why is it used in this study?

Lithium is a medicine often used to help people with bipolar disorder. In this study, we're using it to understand how it changes how healthy people react to light.

Will I get paid to take part?

The information provided doesn't mention payment, so you should ask the research team directly about any compensation for your time and travel.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll likely have your reactions to light measured, your mood and alertness checked, and special brain scans. Blood samples will also be taken.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Is this study safe for me?

The research team will make sure you meet strict health criteria, and you will be closely monitored. They will discuss all potential risks and side effects of lithium with you before you agree to participate.

How to find out more

Nayantara Santhi

nayantara.santhi@northumbria.ac.uk 0191 227 4055 Official trial record

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