Bipolar Disorder

Austin, TX

11 Bipolar Disorder Trials near Austin, TX

Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Bipolar Disorder patients discover FDA-reviewed trials every day. Every trial we feature meets safety and ethical standards, giving patients an easy way to discover promising new treatments in the research stage.

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No Placebo
Highly Paid
Stay on Current Meds
Pivotal Trials (Near Approval)
Breakthrough Medication
In this study, an investigational medication named BXCL501 is being tested for the treatment of episodes of agitation associated with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective and schizophreniform disorder. This study compares the study drug to a placebo.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

452 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of BHV-7000 in subjects with bipolar I disorder.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 2

200 Participants Needed

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) affect up to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder during their lifetime and is associated with worse illness outcomes, yet few studies have been performed to clarify the causes of this comorbidity. Understanding biological risk factors that associate with and predict the development of AUDs in bipolar disorder could inform interventions and prevention efforts to reduce the rate of this comorbidity and improve outcomes of both disorders. Identifying predictors of risk requires longitudinal studies in bipolar disorder aimed at capturing the mechanisms leading to the emergence of AUDs. Previous work in AUDs suggest that subjective responses to alcohol and stress-related mechanisms may contribute to the development of AUDs. In bipolar disorder, altered developmental trajectory of critical ventral prefrontal networks that modulate mood and reward processing may alter responses to alcohol and stressors; consequently, the disruption in typical neurodevelopment may be an underlying factor for the high rates of comorbidity. No longitudinal data exist investigating if this developmental hypothesis is correct. To address this gap, the investigators will use a multimodal neuroimaging approach, modeling structural and functional neural trajectories of corticolimbic networks over young adulthood, incorporating alcohol administration procedures, clinical phenotyping, and investigating effects of acute stress exposure and early life stress. Research aims are to identify biological risk factors-i.e., changes in subjective response to alcohol and associated neural trajectories-that are associated with the development of alcohol misuse and symptoms of AUDs over a two-year longitudinal period in young adults with bipolar disorder and typical developing young adults. Longitudinal data will be collected on 160 young adults (50% with bipolar disorder, 50% female; aged 21-26). This study is a natural extension of the PI's K01 award. How acute exposure to stress and childhood maltreatment affects subjective response to alcohol and risk for prospective alcohol misuse and symptoms of AUDs will be investigated. The investigators will test our hypothesis that developmental differences in bipolar disorder versus typical developing individuals disrupt corticolimbic networks during young adulthood, increase sensitivity to stress, and lead to changes in subjective response to alcohol and placebo response increasing risk for developing AUDs.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:21 - 26

100 Participants Needed

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients who are experiencing major depressive episodes (MDEs) associated with a primary diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder as confirmed by Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:10 - 17

384 Participants Needed

The purpose of this study is to determine whether BHV-7000 is a safe and effective acute treatment for manic episodes in bipolar disorder I.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting

256 Participants Needed

This trial is testing four different medications to find the best treatment for adults with bipolar disorder type 1 who are currently depressed. The medications work by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood. The goal is to help patients recover from depression and stay well.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4

2726 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a new treatment using sound waves to target a part of the brain in people with emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. The treatment aims to change how this part of the brain works to improve symptoms. It is non-invasive and uses MRI to monitor changes in the brain.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

20 Participants Needed

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, study in the acute treatment of patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder with manic episodes or manic episodes with mixed features (bipolar mania), with or without psychotic symptoms, according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3

350 Participants Needed

This trial is testing whether VNS Therapy, which sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, can reduce depression symptoms in patients who haven't responded to other treatments. The study will observe the effects of VNS therapy over a year. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a recognized treatment for severe treatment-resistant depression and has shown promising results.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

6800 Participants Needed

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of cariprazine in children and teens with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or autism. The goal is to see if the medication is safe and beneficial for use in these young patients.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:5 - 17

310 Participants Needed

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of Cariprazine for treating depressive episodes in children and teenagers with bipolar I disorder. The goal is to find out if Cariprazine can help young people with this condition. Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic recently approved for the treatment of depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I disorder.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:10 - 17

380 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"Over 20 years, I've tried 6+ antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds to no avail. Cymbalta is the ONLY one that has ever made a difference (which I can use because I have bipolar 2, not 1) but it had some other side effects. I've been hesitant to try any trials, but also at a deadend of any relief. So, let's give it a shot."

ZJ
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 42

"I really would love to be normal. A functioning part of society. It is very hard to hold a job with this condition. I need to be steady. I do NOT like my current meds or ones I've tried before, so new therapies are of interest to me. "

EC
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 42

"I have struggled living with bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years. I am always hopeful to find new treatments or medications that might really help my symptoms, and I feel strongly pulled to help contribute to bipolar research/science any way that I can. Finally use this brain for some good! :)"

PC
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 40

"I've been experiencing bipolar depression since I was a teenager and have tried many treatments that have not helped: SSRIs (Prozac), Wellbutrin, talk therapy. None worked. I've heard great things about ketamine therapy and would really like to try it. I'd like to access it through a clinical trial."

FM
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 38

"I have tried many different drugs in the past. I just want to find something that works. I just want to be happy and content with life. I'm always having "episodes" where I just shut down and cry and get mad. I need to find a drug that helps me live a happier life. I have everything I ever wanted, yet still can't stay happy. Hopefully this trial helps me and other people in these situations. "

QE
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 35

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Bipolar Disorder clinical trials in Austin, TX pay?

Each trial will compensate patients a different amount, but $50-100 for each visit is a fairly common range for Phase 2–4 trials (Phase 1 trials often pay substantially more). Further, most trials will cover the costs of a travel to-and-from the clinic.

How do Bipolar Disorder clinical trials in Austin, TX work?

After a researcher reviews your profile, they may choose to invite you in to a screening appointment, where they'll determine if you meet 100% of the eligibility requirements. If you do, you'll be sorted into one of the treatment groups, and receive your study drug. For some trials, there is a chance you'll receive a placebo. Across Bipolar Disorder trials in Austin, TX 30% of clinical trials have a placebo. Typically, you'll be required to check-in with the clinic every month or so. The average trial length in Austin, TX for Bipolar Disorder is 12 months.

How do I participate in a study as a "healthy volunteer"?

Not all studies recruit healthy volunteers: usually, Phase 1 studies do. Participating as a healthy volunteer means you will go to a research facility in Austin, TX several times over a few days or weeks to receive a dose of either the test treatment or a "placebo," which is a harmless substance that helps researchers compare results. You will have routine tests during these visits, and you'll be compensated for your time and travel, with the number of appointments and details varying by study.

What does the "phase" of a clinical trial mean?

The phase of a trial reveals what stage the drug is in to get approval for a specific condition. Phase 1 trials are the trials to collect safety data in humans. Phase 2 trials are those where the drug has some data showing safety in humans, but where further human data is needed on drug effectiveness. Phase 3 trials are in the final step before approval. The drug already has data showing both safety and effectiveness. As a general rule, Phase 3 trials are more promising than Phase 2, and Phase 2 trials are more promising than phase 1.

Do I need to be insured to participate in a Bipolar Disorder medical study in Austin, TX?

Clinical trials are almost always free to participants, and so do not require insurance. The only exception here are trials focused on cancer, because only a small part of the typical treatment plan is actually experimental. For these cancer trials, participants typically need insurance to cover all the non-experimental components.

What are the newest Bipolar Disorder clinical trials in Austin, TX?

Most recently, we added Multiple Medications for Bipolar Depression, BHV-7000 for Bipolar Disorder and Lumateperone for Bipolar Mania to the Power online platform.

Is there hope for people with bipolar?

Absolutely—bipolar disorder is very treatable: with mood-stabilizing medicines plus evidence-based talk therapy and a regular sleep–wake routine, more than 70 % of people achieve long symptom-free stretches and many return to work, school, and satisfying relationships. Sticking with treatment, watching for early warning signs, and using supports such as the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance greatly increase those odds, so a full, meaningful life is a realistic goal rather than wishful thinking.

What is the first red flag of bipolar disorder?

There isn’t one universal “first” symptom, but the earliest red flag doctors see most often is a sudden decrease in the need for sleep—sleeping only a few hours yet feeling unusually energized and unable to shut your mind off. If this change lasts several days, especially when paired with racing thoughts, extra talkativeness, big ideas, or risky spending, it’s time to get a mental-health check-up because catching bipolar disorder early greatly improves treatment success.

What is the strongest medication for bipolar?

There isn’t a single “strongest” pill for bipolar disorder; doctors match the medicine to the phase and the person. For acute mania, lithium or valproate often combined with an atypical antipsychotic (e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine) typically works fastest; for bipolar depression, lamotrigine or quetiapine lead, and for long-term prevention lithium remains the gold standard when tolerated. The best regimen is the one that controls your symptoms with acceptable side effects, so choice and dose are always individualized by a psychiatrist who can monitor blood levels and overall health.

Why do people with bipolar go off their meds?

People stop bipolar medication for three main clusters of reasons: 1) medication factors—unpleasant side-effects (weight gain, tremor, mental “fog”) or complex dosing that make daily use feel worse than the illness; 2) illness factors—mood swings that create denial (“I’m fine now”) or the euphoric energy of mania that makes pills seem unnecessary or even unwanted; and 3) practical/social factors—cost, stigma, substance use, or a poor fit with the prescribing clinician. Recognizing which cluster is at play helps patients, families, and doctors tailor solutions—whether that’s adjusting the drug, adding psycho-education or reminders, or improving access—rather than assuming the person is simply being “non-compliant.”

What is unhealthy coping for bipolar people?

With bipolar disorder, “unhealthy coping” is anything you do to feel better in the moment that ends up disrupting one of three stabilisers: (1) your medication plan, (2) a regular sleep-and-daily routine, or (3) clear, substance-free judgement. Habits that break those stabilisers—skipping meds, drinking or using drugs, staying up late gaming or doom-scrolling, isolating yourself, or chasing risky thrills like overspending—tend to push mood swings harder and make recovery slower; replacing them with steady sleep, sober living, social support, and professional treatment keeps the illness on a shorter, safer leash.

Can untreated bipolar disorder lead to psychosis?

Yes. When bipolar mood swings are allowed to build unchecked, they can become so intense that a person loses touch with reality—research shows psychosis occurs in roughly 6 in 10 people with bipolar I and 2 in 10 with bipolar II, usually during extreme mania or depression. Staying on mood-stabilizing medication, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and seeking immediate care if hallucinations or fixed false beliefs emerge greatly reduce this risk and shorten episodes.

How does a person with bipolar think?

Thinking in bipolar disorder depends on the phase: during mania the mind races with big, fast ideas and bold confidence, while during depression thoughts slow down, dwell on negatives, and decision-making feels heavy; between episodes most people return to their usual, clear thinking, though some lingering trouble with focus or memory can remain. Recognising these predictable swings—and getting help early with medication, therapy, sleep, and support—makes it easier to manage symptoms and respond to a loved one with understanding instead of frustration.

Which hormone causes bipolar disorder?

No single hormone causes bipolar disorder; it is a brain-based mood condition shaped by genetics, life stress, and how different body systems interact. Shifts in thyroid hormone, the stress hormone cortisol, or female sex hormones can nudge symptoms better or worse—which is why doctors often check thyroid levels and watch times like postpartum or menopause—but fixing those levels alone doesn’t cure the disorder.

What is end stage bipolar disorder?

“End-stage” (or late-stage) bipolar disorder is an informal term doctors sometimes use for people whose illness has become chronic, treatment-resistant, and functionally disabling: mood swings remain frequent or severe despite multiple therapies, and there may be memory problems, physical health issues, and difficulty living independently. While this stage signals a need for more intensive care—such as combination medications, electro-convulsive or other neuromodulation therapies, cognitive/functional rehabilitation, and strong social supports—it is not a hopeless diagnosis; working closely with a mental-health team can still reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

What current research is being done for bipolar disorders?

Today’s bipolar-disorder research falls into five main streams: scientists are mapping hundreds of risk and “treatment-response” genes, testing rapid-acting medicines such as ketamine and psilocybin, refining brain-stimulation tools like transcranial magnetic stimulation, using smartphone and wearable data to predict mood swings and stabilize sleep-wake cycles, and running early-intervention trials in high-risk teens and young adults. Together, these projects aim not just to explain why bipolar illness occurs but to deliver faster, more personalized treatments and even prevent new episodes before they start.

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