Bipolar Disorder

California

32 Bipolar Disorder Trials near California

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
Power Preferred

Dexmedetomidine for Agitation in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Oceanside, California
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

Power Preferred

ABBV-932 for Bipolar Disorder

Oceanside, California
Bipolar disorder is a severe chronic mood disorder that affects up to 4% of the adult population in the United States. This study will assess how safe and effective ABBV-932 is in treating participants with bipolar I or II disorder. ABBV-932 is an investigational drug being developed for the treatment of depressive episodes in adult participants with bipolar I or II disorder. Study doctors put participants in 1 of 4 groups, called treatment arms. There is a 1 in 4 chance that a participant will be assigned to placebo. Around 160 adult participants with bipolar I or II disorder will be enrolled in approximately 40 sites worldwide. Participants will receive oral capsules of ABBV-932 or matching placebo once daily for 6 weeks. The treatment period will be followed by a safety follow-up (SFU) period for 4 weeks. There may be higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will attend regular weekly visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 65

160 Participants Needed

Endoxifen for Bipolar Disorder

Orange, California
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a chronic debilitating illness characterized by drastic swings in mood, energy and functional ability that affects the adult population. Endoxifen is an active metabolite of the marketed drug Tamoxifen and the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 8 mg endoxifen in the Bipolar I disorder patient population compared to a placebo arm. Endoxifen will be compared to a placebo to demonstrate that the test product is active and to establish that the study is sufficiently sensitive to detect differences between the investigational products. Thus, Endoxifen will be compared to placebo to demonstrate that the test product is safe and active.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

490 Participants Needed

KarXT for Bipolar Disorder

North Las Vegas, Nevada
This is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, inpatient study in participants with bipolar disorder experiencing an acute episode of mania or mania with mixed features. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of KarXT compared to placebo in treating symptoms of mania during a 3-week inpatient period. The duration of the study including screening, the double-blind inpatient treatment period and safety-follow-up is no more than seven weeks.
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

274 Participants Needed

KarXT for Bipolar Disorder

Bellflower, California
This is a phase 3, open-label extension study to assess the long-term safety of KarXT for the treatment of mania or mania with mixed features in Bipolar-I disorder (BP-I) The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of KarXT in the treatment of participants with mania or mania with mixed features associated with BP-I.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

300 Participants Needed

KarXT for Mania

Orange, California
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KarXT for the treatment of manic episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:18 - 65

274 Participants Needed

BHV-7000 for Bipolar Disorder

Torrance, California
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

APAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Mental Illness

La Jolla, California
This trial is testing a treatment called Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) for adults with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who also have sleep apnea. PAP treatment uses a machine to help keep the airways open during sleep by providing a steady stream of air through a mask. The study aims to see if this treatment can improve cognitive function and overall health in these patients over several months. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) is the standard and most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:40 - 70

300 Participants Needed

rTMS for Bipolar Disorder

San Diego, California
This trial is testing whether a special type of brain stimulation called high dose spaced theta-burst rTMS can help reduce depression in people with bipolar disorder who haven't responded to other treatments. The study will also look for markers in the brain that can predict who will benefit from this treatment. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a newer form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that has shown similar or greater effects on brain activity compared to standard rTMS.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

60 Participants Needed

Ketogenic Diet for Bipolar Disorder

Los Angeles, California
The present study is an open trial of ketogenic diets for adolescents and young adults (ages 12-21 yrs) in the depressive or mixed phases of bipolar disorder (BD). The investigators aim to determine whether combining standard of care pharmacological treatment for bipolar spectrum disorders with a 16-week ketogenic diet is well-tolerated and associated with improvements in depression, inflammatory and metabolic indicators, and executive functioning over the study period. The experimental treatment in this study is a 16-week full ketogenic diet. Four study sites (UCLA, U Cincinnati, U Colorado and U Pittsburgh) will recruit 80 total youth (20 each) from bipolar specialty clinics. All youth eligible for the ketogenic therapy will be provided with the ketogenic diet and standard of care pharmacological treatment. During the diet therapy youth will be seen by a study child/adolescent psychiatrist at least once a month (and more frequently when needed), with the psychiatrist recommending and providing side effects monitoring and pharmacotherapy as clinically indicated. The youth and caregivers will also meet with an expert dietitian who will coach all youth on maintaining the ketogenic diet (low carbs, high fats, medium protein) and making sure the child is tolerating the diet and getting enough liquid and nutrients, following the practice guidelines of the International Ketogenic Diet Study Group for treating youth. All youth and involved caregivers will also be provided will at least one motivational enhancement session to support them in goal setting and completion of the study elements. Throughout the study the investigators will assess metabolic (e.g., blood ketones, HOMA-IR) and inflammatory indicators (e.g., C-reactive protein), both for safety reasons and to assess correlates of symptomatic change. Independent evaluators will assess youth every month regarding their symptoms (depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis), psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. The investigators anticipate that the pilot will transpire over 24 months and be an important step toward establishing feasibility and acceptability of ketogenic therapy for this population, not only in terms of diet administration and compliance but also for obtaining symptomatic, metabolic and inflammatory measurements.
Stay on current meds
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 21

80 Participants Needed

Collaborative Decision Skills Training for Serious Mental Illness

West Los Angeles, California
Over 60% of Veterans with serious mental illness have a service-connected disability that impairs their ability to work, go to school, and/or have successful personal lives. Although traditional treatments tend to focus on symptom remission, Veterans prioritize a range of treatment goals, including personal empowerment and gaining personally meaningful skills. Increasing Veteran-clinician collaboration can help effectively align care with each Veteran's goals and support an empowering therapeutic experience. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based intervention intended to increase Veterans' comfort, confidence, knowledge, and skills to collaborate with their treatment teams. Findings from this study will contribute important knowledge about this intervention's effectiveness and how to enhance its effectiveness, especially for Veterans from minoritized groups. If the decision-making intervention is effective, it would help Veterans with serious mental illness, and might also help Veterans with other chronic health conditions, like PTSD and chronic pain.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

119 Participants Needed

Lumateperone for Pediatric Bipolar Depression

San Diego, California
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

(Bay Area Study) Intermittent Fasting for Bipolar Disorder

Berkeley, California
The goal of this clinical trial is to understand how level of adherence with time-restricted eating (TRE) predicts change in diurnal rhythms (as measured using the amplitude of diurnal peripheral clock gene expression), and how those changes predict lower mania and depressive symptoms, and downstream improvements in quality of life. The effects of diurnal amplitude of clock gene expression is expected to remain significant when controlling for change in glucose tolerance and inflammation. Participants will be enrolled who are already receiving medication treatment for bipolar disorder. Participants will complete daily measures of eating, sleep and mood for two weeks, and then will be assigned to follow TRE for eight weeks. Symptoms and Quality of Life will be measured at baseline and during and after the food plan.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 65

150 Participants Needed

OLZ/SAM vs. Olanzapine for Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder

Upland, California
To compare changes in body mass index (BMI) Z-score following treatment with OLZ/SAM vs olanzapine
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

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

220 Participants Needed

OLZ/SAM for Schizophrenia

Encino, California
This trial evaluates the safety and tolerability of OLZ/SAM in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or Bipolar I disorder. OLZ/SAM combines olanzapine to manage symptoms and samidorphan to reduce weight gain. Olanzapine is a well-established antipsychotic effective for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, but its use is limited by significant weight gain; samidorphan is added to mitigate this side effect.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:10 - 17

236 Participants Needed

Lumateperone for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

San Diego, California
This is a multicenter, global, 26-week, open-label study to assess the safety and tolerability of lumateperone in pediatric patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

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

500 Participants Needed

BXCL501 for Pediatric Schizophrenia and Bipolar Agitation

Anaheim, California
This is a study of the efficacy and safety of BXCL501 in children and adolescents with acute agitation and either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:10 - 17

140 Participants Needed

Cognitive Training for Serious Mental Illness

San Diego, California
This study addresses the critical need for innovative therapeutic interventions in Veterans with serious mental illnesses (SMI) receiving care in VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers (PRRCs). The vast majority of individuals with SMI suffer from cognitive impairments, leading to chronic functional disability, and impaired outcomes, causing a significant strain on support networks and the VA healthcare system. This study aims to introduce an innovative mental health therapy, Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT), to Veterans struggling with serious mental illnesses (SMI). TCT works to improve basic sensory information processing and, ultimately, clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning. By using EEG biomarkers to identify Veterans with SMI receiving care within VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers who are most likely to benefit from this treatment, and by understanding how best to implement this therapy, the investigators hope to enhance care and improve life quality for Veterans with SMI.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

80 Participants Needed

Ketogenic Diet for Schizophrenia

San Francisco, California
This trial investigates whether a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet can improve brain function in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The diet aims to use fats instead of sugars for energy, which may help stabilize brain networks and reduce inflammation. The ketogenic diet has shown potential benefits in treating psychiatric conditions by restoring brain energy metabolism.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 65

70 Participants Needed

BHV-7000 for Bipolar Disorder

Torrance, California
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

Why Other Patients Applied

"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

"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 have suffered from different mental health issues and have not had very good luck with finding what works best for me. My mental illness is seriously hurting my marriage and home life... I've been reading about new research treatments and think that they might work better than traditional treatments. Excited to try."

QQ
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 43

"I am hoping to find some medication to finally help me & my mood disorder. I have tried multiple other options over the years but without much luck of controlling the depression or mania."

MM
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 40

"My mania is under control but I still have no way of handling depression. I've been looking into new treatments and I would be so grateful to be able to try one of the latest research treatments. Even if it fails: it's worth a shot, better than giving up. I'm a bit at wit's end."

PW
Bipolar Disorder PatientAge: 30

Cariprazine for Pediatric Schizophrenia

Long Beach, California
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

(Online Study) Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder

Berkeley, California
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of two different healthy lifestyles on outcomes for those with bipolar disorder. The goals are to understand the acceptability of time-restricted eating and the mediterranean diet for those who are already receiving medication treatment for bipolar disorder, and to consider how these two food plans predict changes in manic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and Quality of Life. Participants will complete daily measures of eating, sleep and mood for two weeks, and then will be assigned to follow one of the two food plans for eight weeks. The investigators will measure symptoms and Quality of Life at baseline and during and after the food plan.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 65

300 Participants Needed

Ketogenic Diet for Mental Illnesses

Palo Alto, California
The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to be adequately powered to evaluate the effect of ketogenic metabolic therapy on the quality of life in serious mental illness, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

120 Participants Needed

Cariprazine for Bipolar Disorder in Youth

San Jose, California
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
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:10 - 17

380 Participants Needed

ABBV-932 for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Los Alamitos, California
This trial tests a new medication called ABBV-932 to see how it works in the body and if it is safe for healthy adults and those with anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:18 - 65

72 Participants Needed

Peer-Delivered Suicide Prevention for Serious Mental Illness

San Diego, California
Suicide is a major public health concern, particularly among Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI, i.e., psychotic disorders or bipolar disorders). Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a well-established evidence-based practice for those with SMI that centers on identifying warning signs of mental illness, developing wellness tools for functional independence, planning for day-to-day effective living within one's community, and building an action plan to create a valued life worth living. This proposed study will refine and pilot SUicide Prevention by Peers Offering Recovery Tactics (SUPPORT), a novel integrated recovery program that is an adaptation of peer-delivered WRAP for Veterans with SMI. In SUPPORT, a Peer Specialist leads a Veteran at increased risk for suicide through recovery planning that is tailored to the Veteran's suicidal experiences with cognitive learning strategies to enhance safety plan recall and improve functioning.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

69 Participants Needed

Power Preferred

ALTO-100 for Bipolar Depression

Las Vegas, Nevada
The purpose of this study is to assess antidepressant efficacy differences between ALTO-100 and placebo during the Double-Blind period in patients with bipolar disorder I or II with current major depressive episode, when used adjunctively to a mood stabilizer, related to patient characteristics. Additionally, safety, tolerability, and efficacy will be assessed in a subsequent open label treatment period.
Stay on current meds

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

200 Participants Needed

Lumateperone for Bipolar Mania

Torrance, California
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

Lumateperone for Bipolar Mania

Montclair, California
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

VNS for Bipolar Depression

Los Angeles, California
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

12

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How Do Clinical Trials Work?Are Clinical Trials Safe?What Can I Expect During a Clinical Trial?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Bipolar Disorder clinical trials in California 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 California 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 California 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 California 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 California 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 California?

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 California?

Most recently, we added Collaborative Decision Skills Training for Serious Mental Illness, KarXT for Bipolar Disorder and Ketogenic Diet for Mental Illnesses to the Power online platform.

What do the "Power Preferred" and "SuperSite" badges mean?

We recognize research clinics with these awards when they are especially responsive to patients who apply through the Power online platform. SuperSite clinics are research sites recognized for a high standard of rapid and thorough follow-up with patient applicants. Meanwhile, Power Preferred clinics are the top 20 across the entire Power platform, recognized for their absolute top patient experience.

Which clinics have received Power Preferred and SuperSite awards recruiting for Bipolar Disorder trials in California?

The Bipolar Disorder clinics in California currently recognized as Power Preferred are: Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California Red Bird Research in Las Vegas, Nevada Excell Research Inc in Oceanside, California

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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