Many people with bipolar disorder experience difficulties with memory, concentration and problem solving abilities. This can affect their quality of life, and may make everyday tasks difficult. Cognitive remediation therapy has been shown to help people improve their thinking skills. This study aims to investigate whether cognitive remediation is effective in improving the thinking skills and daily life functioning of people with bipolar disorder. Using a computerised version of cognitive remediation, called CIRCUITS, which focuses on linking the training of thinking skills to many real-world situations and problems. Therapy sessions will be held two to three times per week (for approximately one hour) with the help of a therapist, and participants will be also encouraged to practice CIRCUITS in their own time.
For this study, team lithium is working with King's College London.
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It is unclear whether dietary lithium supplementation results in detectable levels of lithium in the brain, or has a noticeable effect on biological systems. Building on previous research conducted by Team Lithium, this study will measure the effects of 28 days of dietary supplementation with lithium orotate, on peripheral biomarkers of inflammation and mitochondrial function. In a subset of volunteers, the relationship between these measures and MRI estimates of brain lithium concentration will be explored. This study project will provide insight into whether dietary lithium supplementation has effects on biological systems that could influence mental health.
Lithium is an effective treatment for bipolar, but it is under-prescribed as it difficult to identify the therapeutic dose for a patient, whilst avoiding toxicity. Current guidelines recommend slow titration, while regularly monitoring blood levels. This study aims to develop methods to predict a patient's optimal lithium dose. This could reduce the time taken to reach therapeutic dose.
Lithium is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, but the exact mechanisms behind how it works are uncertain. Patients with bipolar may have an abnormality in their retinas, making them more sensitive to light. It is theorised that lithium may work by altering the retina's response to light, stabilising patient's irregular circadian rhythms. This study will test whether people with bipolar are hypersensitive to evening light, and whether Lithium counteracts this. This study aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms behind bipolar disorder, and our understanding of how lithium works to treat it. For this study, Team Lithium will be working with the University of Edinburgh.
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This study assesses people before and after lithium treatment, to better understand early biomarkers of response. Response will be measured over a two year follow-up period and will likely lead to us being able to help people make an informed choice about starting lithium based on their likelihood of response. Assessments include blood tests, brain scans and charting of mood with smartphones and activity trackers. More specifically, the blood tests include cutting edge assessments with measures of blood “omics” (genes, mRNA, proteins and metabolites) whilst advanced structural brain imaging scans will be performed.
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