Caffeine, physical activity and mood study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An interdisciplinary investigation of the caffeine-physical activity-affect relationship in individuals with bipolar disorder
IRAS ID
228540
Contact name
Samantha Eden
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Bipolar disorder is an extremely challenging mental health condition affecting approximately 3-4% of people in the UK. Bipolar disorder contributes a great deal of strain to our NHS, costing millions of pounds each year, with negative consequences to individuals’ life. Lifestyle behaviours such as caffeine use and physical activity may be really important, influencing bipolar mood symptoms. In particular, it is thought physical activity may be extremely beneficial when used alongside medicinal forms of treatment, however the link between physical activity and bipolar disorder mood symptoms needs more research. Caffeine is a dietary component commonly used across the globe, yet little is known about its relationship to bipolar disorder mood symptoms. The research project consists of 2 parts where we will explore caffeine and mood, and physical activity and mood in individuals with bipolar disorder. Firstly we will conduct interviews with 20 individuals with Bipolar Disorder, asking them about their personal experiences of both caffeine and physical activity in relation to their bipolar disorder mood symptoms. We will then look to explore the relationship between physical activity, caffeine and mood symptoms further. A total of 20 individuals with bipolar disorder, 20 individuals who have experienced major depression and 20 individuals with no experience of either of these conditions will undergo 7-days of lifestyle monitoring. They will wear wrist equipment which will monitor their physical activity and ask questions throughout the day about caffeine they have had, their activation/energy and their mood. In addition they will also complete daily questionnaires/diaries on their mood, exercise activities and caffeine intake. The study will be based at University of Exeter, linked to the Mood Disorder Research Centre. Results will help towards further research to provide more information to individuals with bipolar disorder how physical activity and caffeine consumption might influence bipolar disorder mood symptoms.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0258
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion