Completed studies

In a clinical study, researchers of different universities across Germany compared the effects of two psychotherapeutic interventions for bipolar disorder on brain activation. The strength of brain activation in a specific brain region can be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In the first therapy with a focus on social interaction (find study here), cognitive-behavioral methods were used. Besides learning to use tools such as mood diaries and early warning signs of manic and depressive episodes, patients practiced communicating their needs and understanding the intentions of others in role play situations.

The second therapy (find study here) focused on emotion processing. In open discussions, the patients discussed matters of personal importance while therapists guided the patients’ attention towards their emotional experiences during the sessions.

The researchers demonstrated that these two key aspects of the therapies, social and emotional processing, corresponded to the brain activation following the therapies: the intervention targeting social abilities led to an increase in brain activation in regions of the brain associated with social abilities (including, e.g., the ability to understand others and share their feelings). In the second, emotion-focused intervention, the activation and connectivity of the amygdala, an emotion processing hub of the brain, was increased. The researchers concluded that the two interventions, while showing equally beneficial effects on patients’ symptom severity at the clinical level, possibly unfolded their positive effects on the patients’ symptom burden by different neural pathways.

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In the "ChronoStress" project, the effects of social jet lag (discrepancy between personal chronotype and social time constraints) on stress reactivity are investigated. For this purpose, 2000 individuals were first analyzed with online questionnaires regarding their chronotype, subjective stress perception, depressive mood, and sleep quality. Further, 50 male late types were invited to participate in a social stress paradigm using MRI. It is expected that extreme late types with social jet lag will exhibit increased stress vulnerability as evidenced by BOLD signaling in stress-associated brain areas, increased cortisol release, and altered functional connectivity. The aim of the study is to improve the understanding of factors influencing the individual stress response to support the prevention of stress-associated symptoms and diseases in the long term.

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BipoLife is a large research network involving university hospitals throughout Germany and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

The Bipolife A1 study is a naturalistic long-term study for the early detection of bipolar disorders. As part of the study, a detailed diagnosis is made by a doctor or psychologist using questionnaires and interviews. Our offer is aimed at adolescents and young adults aged 15-35 who are concerned about developing a mental illness. There is also an early warning sign of developing bipolar disorder or a close family member already has a mental illness. Early warning signs of bipolar disorder in this case include, for example, depressive symptoms, mood swings, sleep disturbances or disturbances in the day/night rhythm.

After the initial diagnosis, a comprehensive feedback interview takes place. In addition, we advise the study participants in detail about possible treatment options and, if necessary, also arrange therapy offers. Subsequently, we accompany the participants for 2 years. There are a total of 4 further interviews (after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months) in order to be able to assess the individual course of the symptoms. In addition, there is the possibility to participate in an MRI/EEG examination. The test persons receive an expense allowance for their participation in the study.

Of course, we will be happy to provide you with more detailed information about the study. You can reach us for this purpose by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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BipoLife is a research network in which university hospitals throughout Germany participate and which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Subproject A2 is aimed at young people aged 18-35 with bipolar disorder who are interested in group psychotherapy. In the study, we compare the effectiveness of a psychotherapy procedure developed specifically for bipolar disorder with an established supportive, less structured psychotherapy procedure. Both procedures have already proven successful in preliminary studies in the treatment of bipolar disorders.

After a detailed diagnostic examination in which the suitability for the study participation is examined, the participants complete one of the two psychotherapy procedures on a total of four therapy days (one Saturday per month within approx. five months) in a group of four to seven participants. After completion of the therapy, as well as after 12 and 18 months, the participants will be asked to participate in further examinations to assess the progress.

With this study we want to help young adults to cope better with bipolar disorder at an early stage, to prevent recurrent depressive or manic episodes, and to investigate the effectiveness of established and new psychotherapy methods.

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Contact: Dipl.-Psych. Antje Wietzke

BipoLife is a large research network involving university hospitals throughout Germany and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

The Bipolife A3 study is aimed at outpatients and inpatients aged 18 and older with bipolar disorder who have already experienced several episodes of illness and are currently in a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode. The goal of the study is to determine whether a smartphone-based intervention with real-time data collection can prevent new episodes or detect them at the prodromal stage.

Study participants will initially receive outpatient psychiatric treatment according to the guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder. If a permanent stable condition can be achieved within 6 months, they are assigned to one of two treatment groups. In both variants, the subjects receive a smartphone via which information on sleep, communication, and activity patterns, as well as current complaints are collected. This information is partly self-reported by the participant, partly collected automatically. For example, the number of text messages and the frequency of calls (but not the content!) are recorded to make a statement about activity. The data provided is regularly checked by an independent observer. Additionally, in one group an automatic notification is sent to the treating psychiatrist if an individually determined symptom threshold is exceeded. The psychiatrist can then contact the study participant to discuss possible treatment options.

Study participants are followed for a total of 18 months. There will also be brief, regular diagnostic appointments to review current symptoms.

We would be happy to provide you with more detailed information about the study. You can reach us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The OASIS-D study (Patient Characteristics, Validity of Clinical Diagnoses and Outcomes Associated with Suicidality in Inpatients with Symptoms of Depression) will examine male and female inpatients aged 18 to 75 years with any form of unipolar depressive episode (patient population 1) admitted at study inclusion over a 6-month period, clinical diagnosis of moderate or severe unipolar depressive episode and existing suicidality who agree to participate in a prospective study (patient population 2), and research interview-validated moderate or severe unipolar depressive episode and suicidality followed up for 6 months (patient population 3). The aim of the study is to characterize the remission or recurrence of suicidal symptoms in the context of a depressive episode. The results are expected to help improve the understanding of the development of the disease, the further development of symptoms, and to find first evidence for effective interventions.

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