Current Research Studies

The Stanford University Bipolar Disorders Clinic is looking for participants for the following research studies:

Optimized Treatment vs. Lithium Plus Optimized Treatment Study

Lithium in Bipolar Disorder "LiTMUS"

This study will assess the effectiveness of lithium as part of optimized treatment in adults with bipolar disorder. Some participants will be randomly selected to add a tolerable dose of lithium to optimized treatment, while others will continue optimized treatment. All participants will be provided optimized care for 6 months by a psychiatrist who specializes in bipolar disorder using clinical and laboratory measures. This is a nation wide study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Participants will be compensated for time and travel expenses.

For additional information, please contact Shelley at (650) 498-4801 or shill@stanford.edu

Mixed Mood Study

Seroquel in Bipolar Mixed Mood

We are examining the use of quetiapine (Seroquel) in the treatment of patients currently experiencing both hypomania and depressive symptoms (dysphoric hypomania). In this study, after an initial evaluation phase, patients will be instructed to add Seroquel or a placebo to their current stable medication regimen for a period of eight weeks while being monitored by a psychiatrist using clinical and laboratory measures. Participants will be compensated for time and travel expenses.

For additional information, please contact Kristine at (650) 498 - 4968 or klkeller@stanford.edu.

Mild to Moderate Mood Symptoms Study

Olanzapine in Bipolar Disorder

We are examining the use of olanzapine (Zyprexa) in the treatment of patients experiencing increases in symptoms of bipolar disorder. In this study, patients will be instructed to add olanzapine or a placebo to their current stable medication regimen for a period, after which all patients will receive Zyprexa while being monitored by a psychiatrist using clinical and laboratory measures. Participants will be compensated for time and travel expenses.

For additional information, please contact Kristine at (650) 498 - 4968 or klkeller@stanford.edu.

Psychotherapy Study

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Dr. Culver offers didactic group skills training in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness based on Dr. Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This is a clinical treatment group (not a clinical trial) and treatment involves usual fees, which may be covered by some insurance. Participation in the research portion of the group is optional. Participants must be followed by an individual therapist to participate in the group.

For additional information, please contact Intake Services at (650) 498-9111.

Upcoming Studies

For information please contact Shelley at (650) 498- 4801 or shill@stanford.edu

Bipolar Disorders Studies at Other Stanford Clinics

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis in Psychotic Depression

The purpose of this study is to see how certain hormones cause changes in mood, thinking and brain structure in patients with major depression with psychotic features versus patients with non-psychotic depression and healthy controls. The researchers' goal is to determine the effectiveness of using mifepristone to treat psychotic depression. Limited information to date suggests the drug mifepristone (formerly named RU 486) may help patients with this condition. This study is recruting people with bipolar II disorder with psychotic features in a major depressive episode.

For additional inforrmation, please contact Greg at (650) 723-3305 or ghcohen@stanford.edu

For Younger Patients

The information on this page applies only to adults 18 and older. Click here for information on child and adolecent bipolar disorder research.

For more information about the above studies including eligibility requirements please see https://med.stanford.edu/clinicaltrials/.