This collection of mood disorders thesis topics is designed for MD Psychiatry and DNB Psychiatry candidates who want clinically relevant questions that can be completed within one thesis period using routine psychiatric assessment, treatment records, caregiver information and investigations already available in the treating centre. The topics cover major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, deliberate self-harm, perinatal and adolescent mood disorders, late-life depression, medical comorbidity, pathways to care, caregiver burden, treatment adherence and medication-related metabolic or endocrine problems. Each topic can be developed into a focused mood disorders research topic, a structured psychiatry protocol for mood disorders or a submission-ready psychiatry synopsis for depressive and bipolar disorders.
Last reviewed and updated: September 2026 · 2026–27 admissions
Major Depressive Disorder: Clinical Profile and Functional Impairment
Association of duration of untreated major depressive disorder with occupational absenteeism during the preceding three months among adults presenting for first psychiatric treatment: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of presenting symptoms between men and women with major depressive disorder according to sleep, appetite, psychomotor and somatic complaints at first psychiatric assessment: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of early-morning awakening with occupational impairment during the preceding month among adults meeting International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Revision criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of reduced appetite with unintentional weight loss during the current depressive episode among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of psychomotor slowing observed during routine clinical examination with unemployment among adults presenting with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of somatic complaints as the predominant presenting symptom with number of prior medical consultations among adults newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of treatment-seeking delay between adults with major depressive disorder presenting predominantly with sadness and those presenting predominantly with physical complaints: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of illness duration before psychiatric consultation with household functioning among homemakers meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of financial stress during the preceding six months with occupational or household impairment among adults with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of marital conflict during the preceding three months with persistence of depressive symptoms among married adults presenting with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of unemployment or recent job loss with sleep disturbance among working-age adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of chronic caregiving responsibilities with functional impairment among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder while caring for a dependent family member: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of occupational functioning between adults with first-episode and recurrent major depressive disorder at routine psychiatric assessment: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of family history of depressive disorder with younger age at first depressive episode among adults with recurrent major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of previous untreated depressive episodes with longer duration of the current episode among adults presenting with recurrent major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of somatic symptom presentation between rural and urban adults newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder at a teaching hospital: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of low physical activity during the preceding month with daytime fatigue among adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of evening smartphone use exceeding three hours with delayed sleep onset among young adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of current smoked or smokeless tobacco use with sleep disturbance among adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of alcohol use for relief of low mood with occupational impairment during the preceding three months among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of clinical presentation between adults with major depressive disorder with and without comorbid generalised anxiety disorder at first psychiatric consultation: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of comorbid anxiety disorder with repeated outpatient consultations during the preceding six months among adults with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of chronic pain during the preceding three months with functional impairment among adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of baseline episode duration with persistence of functional impairment after eight weeks of routine treatment among adults with major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline sleep disturbance with return to work or household responsibilities after twelve weeks of routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of regular medication use during the first twelve weeks with functional improvement among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of major depressive disorder presentations during the preceding two years according to age, sex, episode status, comorbidity and referral source: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of major depressive disorder referrals from general medicine, neurology and direct psychiatry attendance during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of somatic complaints documented at first presentation among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of occupational and household impairment documented among adults treated for major depressive disorder during the preceding year according to episode severity and comorbidity: a record-based study
Bipolar Disorder: Mania, Depression and Course Characteristics
Comparison of clinical presentation between men and women with a manic episode of bipolar disorder according to sleep reduction, grandiosity, irritability and behavioural disturbance: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of age at first mood episode with number of previous mood episodes among adults meeting diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family history of bipolar disorder with younger age at first manic episode among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of first mood episode polarity between adults with and without a family history of bipolar disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of reduced sleep during the week preceding presentation with emergency admission among adults presenting with a manic episode of bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of irritability as the predominant manic symptom with interpersonal aggression during the preceding week among adults presenting with mania: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of increased spending during a manic episode with family-reported financial difficulties among adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of grandiose beliefs with delayed family recognition of illness among adults presenting with a first manic episode: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of religious or spiritual themes in manic symptoms with initial help-seeking from faith healers among adults presenting with mania: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of treatment-seeking delay between adults with predominantly euphoric mania and those with predominantly irritable mania: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of psychotic symptoms during mania with need for inpatient treatment among adults presenting to a government teaching hospital: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of functional impairment between adults with bipolar depression and adults with unipolar major depressive disorder at first assessment: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of previous manic episode history with age at onset of current bipolar depressive episode among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of hypersomnia with occupational impairment among adults presenting with a depressive episode of bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of increased appetite with weight gain during bipolar depressive episodes among adults receiving psychiatric care: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of current alcohol use with medication nonadherence during the preceding month among adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of cannabis use with emergency psychiatric presentation during the preceding six months among young adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of tobacco dependence with number of mood episodes documented in case records among adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of irregular sleep schedule with recent mood episode onset among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of major life events during the preceding three months with current mood episode onset among adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of occupational functioning between adults with bipolar disorder with and without psychotic symptoms during the current episode: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of number of previous hospital admissions with current employment status among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family supervision of medication with adherence during the preceding month among adults with bipolar disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of baseline sleep reduction with persistence of manic symptoms after six weeks of routine treatment among adults presenting with mania: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline psychotic symptoms with functional recovery at twelve weeks among adults receiving routine treatment for a manic episode: a prospective observational study
Association of regular medication use with return to work or household responsibilities after twelve weeks among adults treated for bipolar depression: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of bipolar disorder admissions during the preceding two years according to manic, depressive and mixed presentations and psychotic symptoms: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of emergency presentations for manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of first mood episode polarity among adults treated for bipolar disorder during the preceding two years according to age and sex: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of substance use documented among adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to alcohol, cannabis, smoked tobacco and smokeless tobacco use: a record-based study
Mood Disorders and Deliberate Self-Harm
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults presenting after deliberate self-harm and association with interpersonal stressors identified during routine psychiatric assessment: a cross-sectional study
Association of previous depressive episodes with repeated deliberate self-harm during the preceding year among adults with major depressive disorder presenting to emergency psychiatry: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of recent relationship conflict with deliberate self-harm among young adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of financial stress with deliberate self-harm presentation among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder alongside routine emergency management: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of unemployment with self-harm presentation among working-age adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of alcohol consumption before deliberate self-harm with major depressive disorder among adults receiving routine emergency psychiatric assessment: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of sleep disturbance during the week preceding deliberate self-harm with repeated self-harm history among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of precipitating stressors between adults with major depressive disorder and adults with adjustment disorder presenting after deliberate self-harm: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of chronic medical illness with deliberate self-harm among adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family conflict during the preceding week with impulsive self-harm among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of social isolation with deliberate self-harm among older adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of recent bereavement with self-harm presentation among adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of previous psychiatric treatment discontinuation with repeated deliberate self-harm among adults with recurrent major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of bipolar depressive episodes with deliberate self-harm history among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of self-harm methods between adults with unipolar major depressive disorder and adults with bipolar depressive episodes: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of mixed depressive symptoms with deliberate self-harm history among adults with bipolar disorder presenting in a depressive episode: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of substance use disorder comorbidity with repeated deliberate self-harm among adults with mood disorders: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of personality disorder comorbidity with repeated self-harm among adults receiving treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of emergency hospitalisation after deliberate self-harm between adults with major depressive disorder and adults with bipolar disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of family accompaniment after emergency stabilization with attendance at the first psychiatric follow-up among adults with mood disorders presenting after self-harm: a prospective observational study
Association of previous self-harm history with repeated self-harm during twelve-week follow-up among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline alcohol use with repeated self-harm during twelve weeks among adults receiving routine treatment for depressive disorders: a prospective observational study
Association of medication adherence during the first twelve weeks with repeated self-harm among adults treated for major depressive disorder after an index self-harm episode: a prospective observational study
Association of family supervision after discharge with twelve-week follow-up attendance among adults with mood disorders presenting after deliberate self-harm: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of mood disorders among deliberate self-harm presentations during the preceding year according to diagnosis, method, precipitating stressor and disposition: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of repeated self-harm presentations among adults with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of alcohol and substance use documented before deliberate self-harm among adults with mood disorders during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of discharge follow-up planning among adults with depressive or bipolar disorders presenting after deliberate self-harm during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of family counselling documentation after deliberate self-harm among adults with mood disorders during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of previous psychiatric contact among adults with mood disorders presenting after deliberate self-harm during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Perinatal Mood Disorders
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and association with unplanned pregnancy at routine antenatal assessment: a cross-sectional study
Association of previous pregnancy loss with depressive symptoms among pregnant women meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of high-risk obstetric status with functional impairment among pregnant women diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of inadequate family support with treatment-seeking delay among pregnant women meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of marital conflict with sleep disturbance among pregnant women diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of financial stress related to childbirth with persistence of low mood among pregnant women meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of partner absence because of migration or employment with depressive symptoms among pregnant women attending antenatal services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of functional impairment between first-time mothers and women with previous childbirth experience who meet diagnostic criteria for antenatal major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of anaemia documented during routine antenatal care with fatigue among pregnant women diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with depressive disorder among pregnant women attending a teaching hospital antenatal clinic: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with major depressive disorder among women attending high-risk antenatal services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of sleep disturbance during the third trimester with depressive disorder among pregnant women attending routine obstetric care: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of treatment-seeking pathways between pregnant women referred by obstetricians and those directly attending psychiatry for major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder within twelve weeks after childbirth and association with breastfeeding difficulties among postpartum women: a cross-sectional study
Association of infant sleep disruption with maternal functional impairment among postpartum women diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of perceived difficulty caring for the newborn with depressive symptoms among women meeting diagnostic criteria for postpartum major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of caesarean delivery with depressive disorder within twelve weeks after childbirth among women attending routine postnatal services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of postpartum depressive presentations between women after planned and emergency caesarean delivery: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of lack of nighttime family assistance with sleep disturbance among postpartum women diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of previous depressive disorder with earlier psychiatric presentation after childbirth among women meeting diagnostic criteria for postpartum major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family preference for infant sex with postpartum depressive disorder among women attending postnatal services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of breastfeeding discontinuation during the first twelve weeks with depressive disorder among postpartum women: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of antenatal depressive disorder with persistence of major depressive disorder six weeks after childbirth among women receiving routine care: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline family support during pregnancy with postpartum functional recovery at six weeks among women treated for antenatal major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of regular psychiatric follow-up during pregnancy with postnatal treatment attendance at six weeks among women diagnosed with antenatal major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of antenatal and postpartum mood disorder referrals during the preceding two years according to trimester, postpartum interval and referral source: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of psychiatric diagnoses among women referred during pregnancy and within twelve weeks after childbirth during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of postpartum major depressive disorder during the preceding two years according to mode of delivery, previous psychiatric history and family support documentation: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of bipolar disorder presenting during pregnancy or postpartum during the preceding two years according to mood episode type and treatment setting: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of documented psychoeducation, medication advice and family counselling among women treated for perinatal mood disorders during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders
Association of school absenteeism during the preceding three months with major depressive disorder among adolescents attending a teaching hospital child psychiatry service: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of academic failure during the preceding year with functional impairment among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of examination-related stress with depressive symptoms among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder during the three months surrounding major examinations: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of school bullying during the preceding year with school refusal among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of cyberbullying during the preceding six months with depressive disorder among adolescents attending child psychiatry services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of late-night smartphone use with delayed sleep onset among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of social media use exceeding four hours daily with school absenteeism among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of parental conflict with depressive symptoms among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of parental separation or divorce with age at onset of first depressive episode among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of parental psychiatric illness with recurrent depressive episodes among adolescents receiving treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of clinical presentation between boys and girls with adolescent major depressive disorder according to irritability, sadness, sleep and school impairment: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of irritability as the predominant mood symptom with disciplinary problems during the preceding three months among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of comorbid anxiety disorder with school refusal among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbidity with academic impairment among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of specific learning disorder comorbidity with repeated academic failure among adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of current tobacco use with school or college absenteeism among older adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of alcohol use during the preceding month with impulsive self-harm thoughts documented during routine assessment among adolescents with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of cannabis use with academic impairment among older adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of school functioning between adolescents with major depressive disorder and adolescents with adjustment disorder during the current academic term: a comparative cross-sectional study
Comparison of sleep disturbance between adolescents with major depressive disorder and adolescents with generalised anxiety disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of family support with treatment-seeking delay among adolescents newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a parent-adolescent cross-sectional analytical study
Association of caregiver attribution of depressive symptoms to laziness or disobedience with delayed psychiatric consultation among adolescents: a parent-adolescent cross-sectional analytical study
Association of baseline school absenteeism with return to regular attendance after twelve weeks of routine treatment for adolescent major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline family support with treatment retention at twelve weeks among adolescents receiving routine care for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline sleep disturbance with persistence of academic impairment after twelve weeks among adolescents receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of parental supervision of medication with treatment adherence at twelve weeks among adolescents receiving pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of adolescent major depressive disorder presentations during the preceding two academic years according to age, sex, school refusal and self-harm history: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of depressive disorder referrals during examination and non-examination months among adolescents over the preceding two academic years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of substance use documented among adolescents with mood disorders during the preceding two years according to tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of parent counselling and school-related advice documented among adolescents treated for depressive disorders during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Late-Life Mood Disorders
Association of multimorbidity burden with functional impairment among adults aged sixty years and older meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of polypharmacy with daytime fatigue among older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of chronic pain with sleep disturbance among adults aged sixty years and older meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of hearing impairment with social withdrawal among older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of visual impairment with reduced participation in daily activities among adults aged sixty years and older with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of widowhood with duration of untreated major depressive disorder among older adults presenting for first psychiatric consultation: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of living alone with treatment-seeking delay among adults aged sixty years and older newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of financial dependence on family with functional impairment among older adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of loneliness with sleep disturbance among adults aged sixty years and older diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of reduced social contact with occupational or household inactivity among older adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of recent bereavement with first-onset major depressive disorder among adults aged sixty years and older presenting within one year of loss: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of retirement within the preceding five years with major depressive disorder among older adults attending psychiatry services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of clinical presentation between early-onset recurrent depression and first-onset late-life major depressive disorder among adults aged sixty years and older: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of subjective memory complaints with depressive disorder among older adults without diagnosed major neurocognitive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of cognitive screening performance between older adults with major depressive disorder and age- and education-matched older adults without depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of type two diabetes mellitus with functional impairment among older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of previous stroke with depressive disorder among adults aged sixty years and older attending neurology or psychiatry services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of Parkinson disease with major depressive disorder among older adults attending neurology services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of recurrent falls during the preceding year with depressive disorder among adults aged sixty years and older: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of urinary incontinence with social withdrawal among older adults meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of caregiver dependence for activities of daily living with depressive symptoms among older adults receiving family support: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of treatment-seeking delay between older adults referred from general medicine and those directly attending psychiatry for major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of family attribution of depressive symptoms to normal ageing with delayed psychiatric consultation among older adults: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of baseline physical comorbidity burden with functional recovery after twelve weeks of routine treatment among older adults with major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline social isolation with first-follow-up attendance among older adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of caregiver supervision of medication with adherence at twelve weeks among older adults receiving routine pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of late-life depressive disorder presentations during the preceding two years according to age, sex, medical comorbidity and referral source: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of major depressive disorder and major neurocognitive disorder presentations among older adults referred for memory complaints during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of deliberate self-harm among older adults with depressive disorders during the preceding two years according to bereavement, medical illness and living arrangement: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of follow-up attendance among older adults treated for major depressive disorder during the preceding year according to caregiver accompaniment and distance from hospital: a record-based study
Mood Disorders with Medical and Neurological Illness
Prevalence of major depressive disorder and association with glycated haemoglobin among adults with type two diabetes mellitus attending a general medical outpatient department: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with missed diabetes medication doses during the preceding month among adults with type two diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of diabetes self-care practices between adults with type two diabetes mellitus with and without major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with epilepsy and association with seizure-related occupational impairment during the preceding six months: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with missed antiseizure medication doses during the preceding month among adults with epilepsy: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of functional impairment between adults with epilepsy with and without comorbid major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults receiving antitubercular treatment and association with missed treatment doses during the preceding month: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with treatment interruption among adults receiving antitubercular therapy: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults receiving antiretroviral treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection and association with treatment adherence: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with disclosure-related social withdrawal among adults receiving treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with chronic kidney disease and association with missed nephrology appointments during the preceding three months: a cross-sectional study
Association of dialysis status with depressive disorder among adults with chronic kidney disease attending a teaching hospital: a comparative cross-sectional study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and association with activity limitation during the preceding month: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with emergency visits during the preceding six months among adults with bronchial asthma: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with coronary artery disease and association with medication nonadherence during the preceding month: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with cardiac rehabilitation or lifestyle advice adherence among adults with stable coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with migraine and association with headache-related work absenteeism during the preceding three months: a cross-sectional study
Association of headache frequency with depressive disorder among adults with migraine attending neurology outpatient services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and association with pain-related occupational impairment: a cross-sectional study
Association of depressive disorder with repeated outpatient consultations during the preceding six months among adults with chronic pain: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of major depressive disorder among adults with rheumatoid arthritis and association with functional limitation during the preceding month: a cross-sectional study
Association of visible chronic dermatological disease with major depressive disorder among adults attending dermatology outpatient services: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of depressive disorder prevalence between adults with visible and predominantly covered chronic dermatological conditions: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of cancer treatment status with major depressive disorder among adults receiving oncology outpatient care: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of depressive disorder with missed oncology appointments during the preceding three months among adults receiving cancer treatment: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of baseline depressive disorder with adherence to routine medical treatment at twelve weeks among adults with chronic medical illness: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of depressive disorder referrals from general medicine, neurology, oncology and respiratory medicine during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of depressive disorder prevalence among consultation-liaison referrals with diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, epilepsy and chronic kidney disease: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of treatment adherence concerns documented among medically ill adults with depressive disorders during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of deliberate self-harm presentations among adults with depressive disorder and chronic medical illness during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Treatment Adherence, Pathways to Care and Service Utilisation
Association of first consultation with a faith healer or traditional healer with duration of untreated major depressive disorder among adults presenting for first psychiatric treatment: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of treatment-seeking delay between adults with depressive disorders first consulting physicians and those first consulting psychiatrists: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of rural residence with number of healthcare contacts before psychiatric diagnosis among adults presenting with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of somatic presentation with prior non-psychiatric consultations during the preceding six months among adults newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family attribution of depressive symptoms to personal weakness with delay in psychiatric consultation among adults with major depressive disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of perceived stigma with concealment of depressive symptoms from family members among adults presenting for first psychiatric treatment: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of travel distance to hospital with missed follow-up visits during the preceding three months among adults receiving treatment for mood disorders: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of out-of-pocket travel expenditure with first-follow-up default among adults newly treated for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of medication cost with missed doses during the preceding month among adults receiving routine pharmacological treatment for mood disorders: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of daytime sedation with medication nonadherence among adults receiving treatment for depressive or bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of perceived weight gain with medication nonadherence among adults receiving long-term treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of sexual adverse effects with missed antidepressant doses during the preceding month among adults receiving treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of medication adherence between adults with major depressive disorder living with family and those living without regular family support: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of caregiver supervision of medication with adherence among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of previous treatment discontinuation with current episode-related hospitalisation among adults with bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of perceived clinical improvement with continued medication use among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family accompaniment at treatment initiation with twelve-week outpatient retention among adults newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of early medication adverse effects within four weeks with treatment adherence at twelve weeks among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline travel distance with twelve-week follow-up attendance among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline substance use with twelve-week treatment retention among adults receiving routine care for mood disorders: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline family support with medication adherence at twelve weeks among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of antidepressant prescribing among adults with major depressive disorder during the preceding year according to medication class, dose and documented follow-up plan: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of mood stabilizer prescribing among adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to medication, monitoring and documented clinical indication: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of benzodiazepine prescribing among adults with mood disorders during the preceding year according to indication and duration documented: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of antidepressant monotherapy among adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to documented diagnostic status and treatment review: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of routine laboratory monitoring among adults receiving lithium for bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to thyroid and kidney function documentation: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of first-follow-up default between adults with major depressive disorder and adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of outpatient default during monsoon and non-monsoon months among adults receiving treatment for mood disorders over the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of psychiatric referrals for depressive symptoms from non-psychiatric departments during the preceding twelve months according to referral source and final diagnosis: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of documented psychoeducation, medication advice and follow-up planning among adults treated for mood disorders during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Family Factors, Caregiver Burden and Social Functioning
Association of patient unemployment with caregiver financial burden among families of adults receiving treatment for major depressive disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of illness duration with caregiver burden among primary caregivers of adults with recurrent major depressive disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of caregiver burden between families of adults with bipolar disorder and families of adults with recurrent major depressive disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of repeated manic episodes with caregiver work absenteeism during the preceding six months among families of adults with bipolar disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of patient self-neglect during depressive episodes with caregiver supervision time among families of adults with mood disorders: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of aggressive behaviour during manic episodes with caregiver distress among families of adults with bipolar disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of repeated hospital admissions with caregiver burden among primary caregivers of adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family conflict with medication nonadherence among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family criticism with outpatient default during the preceding six months among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of caregiver knowledge about bipolar disorder with supervision of medication during the preceding month: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of caregiver beliefs about antidepressant medication with treatment adherence among adults receiving routine care for major depressive disorder: a caregiver-patient cross-sectional analytical study
Association of joint versus nuclear family living with treatment adherence among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of marital status with social functioning among adults with recurrent major depressive disorder attending outpatient care: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of occupational functioning between married and unmarried adults with bipolar disorder matched for illness duration: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of family support with return to work after a depressive episode among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of perceived stigma with unemployment among clinically improved adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of disclosure of psychiatric diagnosis at the workplace with occupational functioning among adults receiving treatment for mood disorders: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of social isolation with persistence of household inactivity among adults with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family accompaniment at discharge with first-follow-up attendance among adults hospitalised for a mood episode: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline caregiver burden with treatment retention at twelve weeks among adults receiving routine treatment for bipolar disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline family conflict with medication adherence at twelve weeks among adults receiving treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline caregiver supervision with functional recovery after twelve weeks among adults treated for bipolar disorder: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of family counselling documentation among adults treated for bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to episode type and admission status: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of caregiver involvement documented among adults with recurrent major depressive disorder during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of family accompaniment at outpatient visits between adults with bipolar disorder and adults with major depressive disorder during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of marital and family conflict documented among adults with mood disorders during the preceding two years according to diagnosis and episode status: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of occupational disruption among adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding two years according to manic and depressive episode history: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of family-reported financial consequences of manic episodes among adults with bipolar disorder during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of caregiver distress documented after deliberate self-harm among adults with depressive disorders during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of social and occupational functioning documentation among adults treated for mood disorders during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Metabolic, Endocrine and Medication-Related Problems in Mood Disorders
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder and association with current psychotropic medication regimen: a cross-sectional study
Comparison of body mass index between adults with bipolar disorder receiving olanzapine and those receiving aripiprazole for at least twelve weeks: a comparative cross-sectional study
Comparison of waist circumference between adults with bipolar disorder receiving olanzapine and those receiving lithium-based treatment without olanzapine: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of duration of antipsychotic exposure with waist circumference among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of sedentary lifestyle with obesity among adults receiving long-term pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of family history of type two diabetes mellitus with elevated glycated haemoglobin among adults receiving antipsychotic treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of fasting plasma glucose between adults with bipolar disorder receiving olanzapine and those receiving other routinely prescribed maintenance medications: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of body mass index with lipid profile abnormalities among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of fasting triglyceride levels between adults with bipolar disorder receiving olanzapine and those receiving aripiprazole for at least twelve weeks: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of perceived medication-related weight gain with nonadherence during the preceding month among adults receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities among adults receiving lithium for bipolar disorder and association with duration of lithium exposure: a cross-sectional study
Association of thyroid function abnormality with fatigue and weight change among adults receiving lithium maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of tremor reported during routine clinical assessment with missed lithium doses among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of excessive thirst or urination with medication nonadherence among adults receiving lithium for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of routine thyroid monitoring documentation between adults receiving lithium and adults receiving other mood stabilizing medications for bipolar disorder: a retrospective record-based study
Association of valproate treatment with menstrual irregularity among reproductive-age women receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of valproate exposure with weight gain among reproductive-age women receiving treatment for bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Comparison of body mass index between reproductive-age women with bipolar disorder receiving valproate and those receiving lithium for at least twelve weeks: a comparative cross-sectional study
Association of antidepressant-related sexual adverse effects with treatment nonadherence among adults receiving routine treatment for major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional analytical study
Association of antidepressant-related gastrointestinal adverse effects during the first four weeks with medication adherence at twelve weeks among adults with major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of early perceived weight change with twelve-week adherence among adults beginning routine antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder: a prospective observational study
Association of baseline body mass index with change in body weight after twelve weeks among adults beginning antipsychotic treatment as part of routine bipolar disorder management: a prospective observational study
Retrospective audit of metabolic monitoring among adults receiving antipsychotic medication for bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to body weight, glucose and lipid documentation: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of thyroid and kidney function monitoring among adults receiving lithium during the preceding year according to duration of treatment and documented abnormalities: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of reproductive health counselling documented among women receiving valproate for bipolar disorder during the preceding year: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of medication-related adverse effects documented among adults receiving maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder during the preceding twelve months: a record-based study
Retrospective comparison of treatment discontinuation documentation between adults receiving lithium, valproate and antipsychotic maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder during the preceding two years: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of serum prolactin testing among adults receiving prolactin-elevating antipsychotic medication for bipolar disorder during the preceding year according to clinical indication: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of electrocardiography performed before or during psychotropic treatment among older adults with mood disorders according to medication and cardiovascular risk factors: a record-based study
Retrospective audit of weight, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and thyroid monitoring among adults receiving long-term pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder during the preceding year: a record-based study
Not the psychiatry subspeciality you need? Mood disorders is one section of our full psychiatry collection — the hub page lists every subspeciality, each with its own free topic list. Updated September 2026.
📌 Updated for 2026–2027 MD Psychiatry Mood Disorders admissions
The page has been reviewed for realistic recruitment, clear episode definitions, clinically meaningful outcomes and study designs that can be completed within routine psychiatry services.
Most projects can be completed using structured clinical assessment, validated symptom or functioning scales, medication records and routine laboratory monitoring already available in the department.
Specialised neuroimaging, genetic testing or research-only laboratory investigations are not required for most feasible topics; clear diagnostic and temporal definitions are more important.
Publication potential is strongest when polarity, episode status, treatment exposure, comorbidity and follow-up outcomes are defined prospectively rather than inferred after analysis.
Generate a protocol from any topic above
Select Generate Protocol → beside any title in the list above and receive a submission-ready document built around that topic, containing all eighteen components:
Introduction / Synopsis
Research Question
Aim of the Study
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
Materials and Methods
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Sample Size Calculation
Methodology
Statistical Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Review of Literature
References
Gantt Chart / Study Timeline
Patient Information Sheet
Consent Form
Data Collection Form
Already have your thesis title?
Generate the full mood disorders protocol directly — objectives, methodology, sample size, statistics, timeline, references and annexures.
Alongside mood disorders protocols and synopses, support is also available for departmental presentations, journal club presentations, ethics committee presentations, and posters and oral presentations for medical conferences — for postgraduate residents, board trainees and research scholars across India and the GCC. Prepared by a practising doctor with long experience in medical publishing and thesis supervision.
The topics above work as research questions anywhere — what changes is the document the institution expects, and who approves it before data collection begins. The Gulf equivalent of an Indian synopsis is the mood disorders research proposal submitted to an institutional review board, and it ordinarily carries three sections an Indian synopsis does not: a Gantt chart, a budget and resources section, and a Declaration of Helsinki statement.
Board and residency programmes — country by country
Saudi Arabia — SCFHS and the Saudi Board. Residency and fellowship training under the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties includes a research project with a set timeline, and the mood disorders research proposal is the document prepared at the outset and cleared by the institutional review board before recruitment starts.
United Arab Emirates — DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi and MOHAP. Residents training in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates prepare a mood disorders research protocol for their programme and submit it for institutional review board approval before any data are collected.
Qatar — DHP (formerly QCHP) and Hamad Medical Corporation. A mood disorders IRB proposal is reviewed before recruitment, with the ethics section written to the institution's own template rather than a generic one.
Bahrain — NHRA. Trainees turning mood disorders research topics into a project need the proposal cleared by their institutional research and ethics committee before fieldwork begins.
Oman — OMSB. Residency programmes under the Oman Medical Specialty Board include a research component, and the mood disorders research proposal is the document assessed at the start of it.
Kuwait — KIMS. A mood disorders study protocol goes to the institutional committee for approval before the project begins.
Arab Board programmes across the region. The Arab Board carries its own research requirement irrespective of the host country, and the mood disorders proposal follows the same structure throughout.
Postgraduate degrees — Malaysia, the Gulf and beyond
Malaysia — MMed, the National Medical Research Register and MREC. A mood disorders dissertation proposal for a Master of Medicine programme carried out in a Ministry of Health facility must be registered on the NMRR and approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee before the study begins, and the guidance asks for submission four to six months ahead of data collection. Every investigator on the study team registers on the NMRR as well, so the methodology, ethics and team sections are written in far more detail than an Indian synopsis requires.
PhD and Master's candidates elsewhere. University programmes generally require a full mood disorders research proposal of roughly 6,000 to 10,000 words, with an extended literature review, a theoretical framework and a detailed methodology chapter.
PhD and MMed proposals are written individually by a medical doctor and revised until the supervisor accepts them. They are not produced by the automated protocol generator.
🔥 Trending research areas in Mood Disorders for 2026–27
Functional recovery beyond symptom reduction: return to work, household functioning, school attendance and treatment retention provide patient-relevant outcomes that can differ from symptom-score improvement.
Bipolar course and treatment monitoring: polarity, recurrence, sleep disruption, adherence and metabolic or endocrine monitoring are feasible areas with direct implications for long-term care.
Perinatal and adolescent mood disorders: these populations permit clinically useful research on family support, school functioning, treatment-seeking and self-harm while using routine service pathways.
Mood disorders with medical comorbidity: diabetes, epilepsy, chronic pain, kidney disease and other illnesses allow low-cost research on functioning, adherence and consultation-liaison pathways when diagnostic overlap is handled carefully.
Protocol and synopsis guidance
What a Mood Disorders protocol must contain
Separate current episode from lifetime diagnosis. The protocol should state whether participants have major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or another mood disorder, and whether they are currently depressed, manic, mixed, remitted or in maintenance treatment. A current depressive presentation should not be assumed to be unipolar without documenting how past mania or hypomania was assessed.
Fix the symptom and treatment time point. Sleep, appetite, psychomotor change, self-harm, adherence and functioning may differ substantially before treatment, during acute treatment and after partial recovery. The protocol should define whether measurements refer to presentation, baseline before a treatment change, a fixed follow-up interval or the preceding specified recall period.
Distinguish diagnosis from severity measurement. Rating scales can quantify depressive or manic symptom burden, but they should not automatically replace a structured clinical diagnosis. In medically ill, pregnant, postpartum or older participants, somatic symptoms such as fatigue, sleep change, appetite change and poor concentration may have competing explanations that need to be addressed in eligibility and interpretation.
Mood Disorders synopsis versus Mood Disorders protocol
The synopsis states the question and broad plan. It should identify the mood disorder, episode type, population, main exposure or outcome, study design and principal assessment method. For bipolar studies, the synopsis should already indicate whether the current state is mania, depression, mixed presentation or maintenance treatment.
The protocol must operationalise course and outcome. It should define first episode versus recurrent illness, episode polarity, duration of untreated illness, remission or persistence, medication adherence, functional recovery and self-harm using fixed criteria and recall periods. A retrospective diagnosis should be based on what is actually documented rather than reconstructed from vague references to previous mood change.
Avoid incorporation and classification errors. If a symptom scale contributes to study eligibility, the same scale should not then be treated as an independent diagnostic reference standard. Likewise, antidepressant use does not prove unipolar depression, and mood stabiliser use does not prove bipolar disorder; diagnosis and treatment exposure should remain separate variables.
Sample size and statistical analysis
The patient is usually the unit of analysis. Repeated episodes, admissions, self-harm events or follow-up visits from the same person are correlated observations and should not automatically be counted as independent participants. If repeated episodes are analysed, the method should account for clustering within individuals.
Choose analysis according to the outcome. Symptom scores and functional scales may be continuous or ordinal, self-harm recurrence and treatment retention may be binary, and number of episodes or admissions may be count data. Prospective baseline and follow-up measurements require paired or repeated-measures methods rather than independent-group tests.
Control major confounders. Age, sex, episode polarity, comorbid anxiety or substance use, medical illness, medication exposure and baseline severity can influence both the exposure and outcome. Regression may therefore be preferable to unadjusted two-group comparisons when the objective is analytical rather than purely descriptive.
1. How do I choose a feasible Mood Disorders thesis topic?
For 2026–2027 admissions, start with a mood-disorder population seen regularly in the department and an outcome measurable during routine care, such as functional recovery, adherence, self-harm recurrence, follow-up retention or metabolic monitoring. A topic becomes more workable when diagnosis, episode status, exposure, outcome and observation period can all be stated clearly before recruitment.
2. Which study designs are accepted for Mood Disorders research?
Cross-sectional observational and analytical studies, comparative studies, prospective observational follow-up and retrospective record-based audits are all suitable when matched to the objective. Prospective designs are useful for persistence, adherence and functional recovery, whereas prescribing and monitoring questions may be more efficiently addressed through record audits.
3. What should I settle with my guide before finalising the topic?
Settle the diagnostic framework, current episode type, age group, recruitment source, principal outcome, symptom or functioning instrument, treatment status and follow-up interval. For bipolar work, decide how previous mania or hypomania will be established; for depression in medical settings, define how physical illness and overlapping somatic symptoms will be handled.
4. How should mixed symptoms and uncertain bipolarity be handled?
Do not force participants into unipolar or bipolar groups using treatment history or a single symptom. The protocol should state the diagnostic criteria used, how past manic or hypomanic episodes will be assessed and what happens when the available history is insufficient. Participants with uncertain polarity may need exclusion from a comparison that requires definitive classification, or separate description if that uncertainty is clinically important.
5. What is the difference between a synopsis and a protocol for these topics?
The synopsis is the concise academic proposal submitted for approval, whereas the protocol is the detailed operational document used to recruit, classify and follow participants consistently. Mood-disorder protocols require explicit definitions for diagnosis, episode polarity, baseline severity, treatment exposure, adherence, self-harm, functional recovery, recall period and follow-up timing.
6. What are the main ethics issues in Mood Disorders research?
Current suicidality, recent self-harm, severe depression, mania, psychosis or intoxication may affect immediate safety and sometimes the ability to provide valid research consent, so capacity and risk should be assessed at the time of enrolment. For minors, guardian consent and developmentally appropriate assent from about seven years should be obtained where applicable. Eligible record-based work may receive a consent waiver after ethics approval and appropriate anonymisation.
Research assessment should not delay urgent treatment or require participants to disclose self-harm without a predefined clinical response. The protocol should include a named pathway for escalating suicidal intent, psychosis, severe mania, abuse or safeguarding concerns. Research-only radiation, contrast or venepuncture should not be added unless independently justified; where blood sampling is genuinely necessary, an appropriate blood-volume limit should be stated. Separate consent is required for photographs, audio or video recordings.
7. What is the most common classification error in Mood Disorders research?
The most important error is treating the current depressive episode as equivalent to a lifetime diagnosis of unipolar depression. A person presenting with depression may have bipolar disorder if previous mania or hypomania is identified, and failure to establish polarity can contaminate comparisons of treatment response, adherence, self-harm or clinical profile.
A second error is using a screening or severity scale as if it establishes the diagnosis. Symptom scales are valuable for quantifying severity and change, but diagnostic classification should follow the stated clinical framework. This distinction becomes especially important in pregnancy, chronic medical illness, pain and older age, where somatic symptoms may have non-psychiatric causes.
8. Can these topics be used for PhD proposals or board research projects outside the Indian MD pathway?
Yes, but the depth and format differ. A PhD proposal usually requires a broader research gap, conceptual framework and programme of work than an MD synopsis. Focused mood-disorder questions can also be adapted to mandatory research-project or proposal requirements used by SCFHS and the Saudi Board, the Arab Board of Health Specializations, and DHP, DHA, DOH and MOHAP-linked training programmes, subject to local supervision, ethics and submission requirements.
9. When should I register a Mood Disorders thesis protocol?
Registration should occur after the guide has approved the diagnosis, episode definitions, variables, outcome measures and recruitment source but before prospective enrolment or research data collection begins. Ethics approval and institutional or university registration should follow the local sequence. Retrospective studies should define the record period and extraction plan before reviewing the dataset.
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