Research Centre: Monash University
Location: 264 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill VIC 3168
Lead Researchers: Dr Elise McGlashan, Dr Ben Bullock, and Assoc. Prof. Sean Cain
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by both the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee and the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee

Are you interested in contributing to a revolutionary study that could change the way we understand and treat bipolar disorder? Researchers from Monash University and Swinburne University of Technology are conducting cutting-edge research to explore the role of blue light sensitivity as a potential biomarker for bipolar disorder.

This study focuses on how individuals with bipolar disorder react to blue light and whether this reaction can indicate a predisposition to sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm imbalances. Your participation could be key in unlocking new methods for diagnosis and treatment, offering a more in-depth understanding of bipolar disorder’s complex nature. Join now and help researchers pave the way for a better understanding of bipolar disorder.

• Participants will be compensated up to $100 for participating in this study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the study.
• Participants may learn about their sleeping patterns and their body clock
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with bipolar disorder in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• 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.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Individuals aged 18 to 30 years who are diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder or Bipolar II Disorder
• Must be currently taking lithium
• Must not have colour blindness
• Must not be using drugs for recreational purposes and be willing to refrain from using for 4 weeks before enrolment
• Must not be working on a shift schedule or have travelled internationally across time zones within the past 3 months
• Must not be using hormonal contraception
• Must not have had general anesthetic within the past 3 months
• Must be able to attend 2 study visits at the research site over approximately 1 month

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

• Participants will be required to attend a screening interview, lasting around 1 and a half hours
• Participants will be required to monitor their sleep at home over approximately 1 week
• Participants will be required to complete questionnaires and have their eye’s reaction to light checked, which will last around 1 hour
• Participants will also be asked to provide biological samples including a saliva sample for genetics, and urine sample for toxicology screen and pregnancy test (if applicable)

Monash University
The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University aims to optimise brain and mental health through community driven, world leading research, a network of clinics and innovative solutions.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.