Research Center: Case Western Reserve University
Location: This is a virtual study in the United States
Lead Researcher: Dr. Martha Sajatovic
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Case Western Reserve University IRB

Some days, remembering to take your bipolar medication feels easy—other days, it’s not so simple. This study explores whether a personalized support program can help adults with bipolar disorder stay on track with their treatment. 

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are trying to find out if an educational and behavioral program will help individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder take their medications and reduce the number of missed doses, compared to the enhanced treatment as usual of receiving information and reminders. The goal is to find better ways to support those managing bipolar disorder. By joining, participants may help improve care for themselves and others in the future.

Interested? See if you qualify for this study!

• Participants will get support and tips on coping with bipolar disorder at no cost.
• Participants will be compensated for completing study activities.
• Participants may find the study’s sessions and messages helpful in staying on track with their treatment.
• Participants will be contributing to research that could improve care for others with bipolar disorder in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.
• Participants can participate from the privacy and comfort of their homes.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

• Men and women aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I or II for at least two years
• Must be taking at least one proven mood-stabilizing medication (such as lithium, an anticonvulsant, or an antipsychotic) for at least six months 
• Must be seeing a qualified healthcare provider who is not in private practice
• Must have a mobile phone, as text messages are part of the study 
• Must have some difficulty taking medications, or sometimes try to manage without them
• Must be able to participate in the research study for about 6 months. 

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to complete screening procedures, including signing an informed consent form, answering questions about their psychiatric history and medication use, and using an electronic cap (eCap) on their pill bottles.
• Participants will be asked to attend virtual study visits, including a baseline visit, follow-up assessments at 10 weeks and 6 months, and intervention sessions if randomized to the active psychosocial treatment group (CAE).
• Participants will be asked to engage in study interventions, either receiving educational and behavioral support through CAE sessions or receiving automated reminders for medication adherence in the control group.
• All participants will continue under the care of their current prescribing clinician.

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is a community of innovators, knowledge-seekers, and groundbreakers. As a leading national research university located in one of the nation’s top arts districts and within walking distance of three major hospitals, it offers ample opportunities for academic and professional excellence. With programs spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work, its research and educational initiatives empower students, faculty, staff, and alumni to address today’s most pressing challenges—and shape the future.