Studies how activity, sleep and light relate to mood disorders
Follows people with bipolar disorder and other mood disorders over time through daily tracking.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: NIMH Rhythms and Blues Study: A Prospective Natural History Study of Motor Activity, Mood States, and Bipolar Disorder
Key facts
- Where
- Bethesda, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 8 and 70 years old?
Source: NCT05669703, who can take part
Where in United States
- National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesda, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Trial code
- NCT05669703
- Record updated
- 7 October 2026
- Original description
Background:Read full original descriptionShow less
NIMH Rhythms and Blues Study: A Prospective Natural History Study of Motor Activity, Mood States, and Bipolar Disorder
Background:
Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can have serious effects on a person s life. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have heart disease and abuse substances. In this natural history study, researchers would like to learn more about the connection between exercise and mental health in people with and without mood disorders.
Objective:
To better understand relationships among physical activity, sleep, and mental health.
Eligibility:
People aged 8 to 60 years with a history of a mood disorder. Healthy spouses and relatives with no mood disorders are also needed.
Design:
Participants will be in the study up to 2 years.
For up to 20 days in a row, at 4 times during the study, participants will:
Complete an electronic diary on their smartphone. Participants will answer questions about their mood, health, sleep, and daily activities.
Wear an activity monitor, like a wristwatch, that records how much they move.
Wear a light sensor, as a necklace, to record the amount of light in their environment.
Some participants will do additional tests. Twice during the study, for 3 days in a row, they will:
Wear monitors to record their temperature, heart rate, and sleep.
Provide saliva samples.
Complete cognitive tasks on their smartphone.
Participants will visit the NIH clinic 2 times. They will have a physical exam, with blood and urine tests. They will wear a heart monitor. They will ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes. They may have an imaging scan.
Some participants will stay overnight. They will go to sleep wearing a cap to measure their brain activity.
Exclusion: The presence of certain medical conditions may interfere with the interpretation or increase risk of medical complications of the assessments including exercise. Therefore, an individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:; Pregnancy; People in acute episodes of mania or depression (not excluded, but will delay study entry until sufficiently managed to allow participation in study procedures).
INCLUSION CRITERIA:; To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:; Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study; Aged 8 and older; Probands must have at least one first-degree relative agree to participate; Affected probands must have a lifetime history of a mood disorder; Unaffected probands must have no lifetime history of a mood disorder; In good general health as evidenced by medical history; Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration; Ability of subject (or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR)) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.