The MeMO Study (Version 1.2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using digital mood monitoring technology to support the assessment, engagement, and empowerment of young people presenting to mental health services with mood instability.
IRAS ID
214548
Contact name
Max Birchwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Warwick
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 4 days
Research summary
Young people are disproportionately affected by mental health problems and mood instability (i.e., mood swings). They are also the largest information and communication technology user group. The use of digital mood monitoring technology, including mood monitoring smartphone applications (apps), is considered to be a potentially effective way of engaging and empowering young people and its use is in line with current government health policies. A systematic review of the literature however, showed that little is known about the use of such technologies in young people. The aim of this research is to explore how digital mood monitoring technology can be used to support the assessment, engagement, and empowerment of young people presenting to mental health services with a range of diagnoses in which mood instability is an important feature. Participants between the ages of 16 and 24 will be recruited from mental health services. The complete study will be carried out over approximately one to two years and will consist of two stages. Firstly, a mood monitoring app will be used to investigate mood instability in young people presenting to mental health services. Secondly, focus groups will be carried out which aim to examine from the perspective of both young service users and clinicians the usefulness of using the mood monitoring app. It is expected that the findings from this study will result in the development of innovative (adjunct) interventions and improved outcomes for young people with mood instability.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0146
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion