Sensing Tech for BD

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Integrating the use of sensing technology to understand Early Warning Signs in Bipolar Disorder

  • IRAS ID

    295693

  • Contact name

    Richard Morriss

  • Contact email

    richard.morriss@nottingham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Nottingham

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 4 months, 2 days

  • Research summary

    Bipolar disorder (BD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with each relapse causing permanent neurological damage. Self-tracking behaviours and symptoms such as early warning signs (EWS) play a key part in managing this condition and reducing mood episodes. In the advent of mobile computing, novel technology has been leveraged for self-tracking in BD. The aims of this research are to understand the everyday practices of self-tracking in BD and to use these results to further design and test a digital self-tracking platform called RADAR-base in understanding EWS. RADAR-base is able to collect passive data such as smartphone usage, home utility usage, banking information and car usage as well as actively collecting data from participants such as self-report mood scales. Specifically, the research is split into three discrete work packages. Work Package 1 will explore the everyday practices of self-tracking in those with BD and use the findings to adapt RADAR-base, using a user-led design approach. Work Package 2 will investigate whether it is possible to sense EWS using an adapted version of RADAR-base. Work Package 3 will explore the accuracy of detection of EWS and investigate what users think about the system once used.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/EM/0125

  • Date of REC Opinion

    16 Jun 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion