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

    M.J.Birchwood@warwick.ac.uk

  • 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