Mood Disorders (including anxiety, depression and bi-polar disorder)
Who is involved in our studies?
‘Mood disorders’ is encompass a range of different conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by manic and depressive episodes that are separated by periods of low mood. Those diagnosed with a mood disorder may experience difficultly sleeping and changes in appetite and or/concentration. Mood disorders are very common.
At Oxford Health, researchers are interested in learning more about the causes of mood disorders, with the aim of developing better treatments. Researchers are also interested in learning more about how we may be able to prevent mood disorders through early identification.
Current research
Current Studies
ANTLER 75+
Principal Investigator: Dr Philip Wilkinson – Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of continuing antidepressants for the treatment of depression in the over 75 age group.
ASCEND
Principal Investigator: Professor Cipriani-Director of the Clinical Research Facility and Eodardo Ostinell- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: We want to find out if using a sertraline/aripiprazole combination will be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms in people with bipolar.
CONTACT-GAD
Principal Investigator: Dr Phillip Wilkinson- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: Aiming to understand if a new form of ACT therapy for older people with treatment resistant Generalised Anxiety Disorder combined with treatment as usual, is effective in reducing anxiety compared to usual care alone.
DPIM
Principal Investigator: Dr Digby Quested- Consultant Psychiatrist
Objective: To find genetic or other cause of mental illness by studying DNA in the blood or saliva .
GLAD
Principal Investigator: Francesca Waddington- Senior Clinical Research Assistant
Objective: The GLAD study is investigating genetic factors of anxiety and depression. All participants will be invited to join the NIHR Mental Health BioResource which will in future offer participants further relevant research opportunities.
GlobalMinds
Principal Investigator: Dr Philip McGuire
Objective: To develop an internationally diverse bioresource linking genetic and healthcare information in individuals with schizophrenia, psychosis, depression or bipolar.
MAPS- MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
Principal Investigator: Dr Thomas Reilly
Objective: This study aims to measure how mental health symptoms changes across the menstrual cycle.
moreRESPECT
Principal Investigator: Abiola Jokomba – Ward Manager
Objective: To understand if a tailored sexual health intervention able to reduce unprotected sexual acts and increase knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and healthy relationships.
Tri-Prep
Principal Investigator: Dr Andrew Molodynski
Objective: investigate the views, understandings and perspectives of people with severe mental illness (SMI) and mental health professionals (MHPs) on smoking, smoking reduction and cessation, and vaping. This study will inform the design of future research on helping people with severe mental illness to reduce smoking, finding out how we can make our research acceptable and suitable for participants
We have a verity of different studies. Some involve a questionnaires, some involve a therapy and some involve taking a medication. Some take place in our research clinics, in a clinical team base or sometimes they can take place in your home.
We are sometimes able to contact people directly about research, or get referrals from clinical teams. We are always appreciate hearing from people who are interested in getting involved.
Key contacts
There are many opportunities to become involved in research at Oxford Health if you experience a mood disorder. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us on: mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk for further information on our current research opportunities.
Previous research studies
You can find more information on previous research studies here.
Research Clinics
You may also be interested in visiting clinic page which also offers opportunities to take part in Depression Research Centre – NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre. The Depression Research Centre is a research and clinical program dedicated to understanding and treating depression, including cases that have not responded to conventional antidepressant treatments.. You can contact the DRC clinic directly on: depressionresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Page last reviewed: 18 February, 2026