Welcome to the ASCEnD Trial

Could a better treatment for bipolar depression be within reach? 

Take part in the ASCEnD trial and help us find the most effective treatment for bipolar depression. You’ll get support from our research team. 

The ASCEnD trial, explained by Dr Stuart Watson, ASCEnD Chief investigator from Newcastle University and Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

The ASCEnD Trial

The ASCEnD Trial

The ASCEnD Trial is a clinical trial designed to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an aripiprazole / sertraline combination as a treatment for bipolar depression. The trial aims to recruit 270 adults with bipolar depression from primary and secondary care services across 9 centres in the UK. These participants will be randomised to receive either the aripiprazole/sertraline combination or quetiapine .

You can find out which sites around the UK are recruiting here.
  • Logo for NHS Foundation Trust promoting Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

    The ASCEnD study is sponsored by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust

  • NIHR logo with text 'Funded by' and 'National Institute for Health and Care Research'.

    The ASCEnD trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme- Project reference number NIHR132773.

  • Newcastle University logo with shield emblem and text.

    The ASCEnD trial is managed by Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU)- UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit

  • McPin Foundation logo with the words 'McPin Foundation' in large text.

    The ASCEnD trial has been developed in collaboration with a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) organised by the McPin Foundation.

Who can take part? 

We are looking for people in England diagnosed with bipolar who are currently experiencing depression. 

You may be able to take part in this trial if you: 

  • Have bipolar. 

  • Are currently experiencing depression. 

  • Are older than 18. 

  • Are not currently breastfeeding, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the trial. 

  • Meet other criteria (which a study doctor will talk about with you). 

You can enter the trial if you and your doctor think that quetiapine, or the combination of aripiprazole and sertraline, would be equally helpful as the next step in your treatment. 

For more details, please read the patient information sheet.

Could I be experiencing bipolar depression?  

Depression is common in bipolar. People experiencing a depressive episode may feel:  

  • Very sad, down or anxious. 

  • Feeling slowed down or restless. 

  • Having trouble concentrating or making decisions. 

  • Feeling hopeless or worthless, or thinking about death or suicide 

  • Lack of interest in almost all activities.  

If you think you might be experiencing bipolar depression, you can take this short self-assessment survey.

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