How to join the study

The PAX-BD study is for people with difficult to treat depression as part of a bipolar disorder. It is not possible to self-refer to the study. To take part you must be aged 18 or over and be referred by your psychiatrist. Your care must be being provided by one of the NHS Trusts running the study. Ask your clinical care team if your NHS Trust is taking part in the study. A list of the currently recruiting sites can also be found in the section Recruiting sites.

The study doctor will do some checks to confirm if you meet all the criteria to take part in this study. This will include asking you to complete a questionnaire called the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report (QIDS-SR). This will take about 5 minutes to complete. The QIDS-SR questionnaire can be completed on a paper copy (Paper QIDS-SR) or online via the Northern Centre for Mood Disorders website: Online QIDS-SR.


To find out more about why this study is being done and what it might mean for you if you take part, you can access the patient information sheets for the study here:

Participant Information Sheet V9

Participant Randomisation Information Sheet V10

Participant End of Study Information Sheet trial completion V4

Participant End of Study Information Sheet withdrawal or early completion of medication V3


If you are having problems with your mental health at the present time, then speak with your psychiatrist, care co-ordinator or GP. You might also find the Northern Mental Health support website of help.