Actively Recruiting
NIMH Rhythms and Blues Study: A Prospective Natural History Study of Motor Activity, Mood States, and Bipolar Disorder
Led by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · Updated on 2026-04-30
1260
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
143 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can have serious effects on a person s life. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have heart disease and abuse substances. In this natural history study, researchers would like to learn more about the connection between exercise and mental health in people with and without mood disorders. Objective: To better understand relationships among physical activity, sleep, and mental health. Eligibility: People aged 8 to 60 years with a history of a mood disorder. Healthy spouses and relatives with no mood disorders are also needed. Design: Participants will be in the study up to 2 years. For up to 20 days in a row, at 4 times during the study, participants will: Complete an electronic diary on their smartphone. Participants will answer questions about their mood, health, sleep, and daily activities. Wear an activity monitor, like a wristwatch, that records how much they move. Wear a light sensor, as a necklace, to record the amount of light in their environment. Some participants will do additional tests. Twice during the study, for 3 days in a row, they will: Wear monitors to record their temperature, heart rate, and sleep. Provide saliva samples. Complete cognitive tasks on their smartphone. Participants will visit the NIH clinic 2 times. They will have a physical exam, with blood and urine tests. They will wear a heart monitor. They will ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes. They may have an imaging scan. Some participants will stay overnight. They will go to sleep wearing a cap to measure their brain activity.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
NIMH Rhythms and Blues Study: A Prospective Natural History Study of Motor Activity, Mood States, and Bipolar Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the study duration
- Age 8 years or older
- Probands must have at least one first-degree relative willing to participate
- Probands with a lifetime history of a mood disorder
- Unaffected probands with no lifetime history of a mood disorder
- Good general health based on medical history
- Agreement to follow lifestyle considerations during the study
- Ability to understand and sign informed consent (or have a legal representative do so)
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnancy
- People currently experiencing acute episodes of mania or depression (may delay study entry until managed)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kathleen R Merikangas, Ph.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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