The Reward Study

The optional REWARD study is being led by collaborating researchers at Newcastle University.

What is the optional Reward Study?

Participants taking part in the ASCEnD trial will be offered the option of taking part in the REWARD study.

Reward processing allows people to experience pleasure and learn from positive outcomes.

While the overall trial will assess different treatment options in people with bipolar depression, the optional REWARD study aims to:
  • Better understand how the treatments work.
  • Identify early in treatment which participants are more likely to benefit from each treatment option.
The REWARD study will give you the opportunity to improve collective knowledge on the mechanism of treatments for bipolar depression. This will contribute to a more targeted, individualised approach to treatment and help reduce the time spent by patients using a less effective treatment.

How Will We Do This?

We will ask you to complete an online questionnaire and decision-making computerised task at three points during the trial:

  • SESSION 1: Before starting trial medication

  • SESSION 2: Shortly after starting trial medication (2-4 weeks)

  • SESSION 3: Later in the treatment with trial medication (12-14 weeks)

The online questionnaire and task can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or PC with an internet connection.

We will give you the link/QR code to access the online questionnaire and task on the data collection website GORILLA.sc.

We will let you know when it is time to complete a new session during ASCEnD weekly calls.

The Reward Study FAQs

  • Yes, all the REWARD study data will be anonymous and personal information will be omitted.

  • Data collected in the REWARD study will only be accessible to the researchers.

  • No, the REWARD study is optional. You can still take part in the main ASCEnD trial if you choose not to take part in the REWARD study.

  • You are free to withdraw from the study for any reason, at any time.

  • Susanna Carella from Newcastle University is carrying out this part of the research. Click here to meet the whole trial team.