The Reward Study

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.

The overall ASCEnD trial assess different treatment options in people with bipolar depression, the optional REWARD study aims to:
  • Better understand how the treatments work.
  • Identify early 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 treatment that doesn't work as well.
Newcastle University logo in blue and white color.

How the REWARD study works

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)

We will let you know when it is time to complete a new task during your weekly calls. We will send you a link/QR to complete these tasks on the ‘GORILLA.sc’ website. You can complete them on any smartphone, tablet or PC connected to the internet.

Your data and consent

All of the REWARD study data will be anonymous. Personal information will be omitted. Only researchers will be able to access the data collected in the REWARD study.

The REWARD study is optional. You can still take part in the ASCEnD trial if you choose not to take part in the REWARD study. You are also free to withdraw from it for any reason, at any time.

Susanna Carella from Newcastle University is leading the REWARD study.