Specific Research

The Division of Bipolar Disorders research conducts studies in the following areas.

Substance Abuse in Bipolar Adults and Children
We are evaluating the longitudinal course, neurobiology and treatment of co-occurring substance use and bipolar disorder.

Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder
We are evaluating differences in brain neurochemistry, activation, and structure between adults and children with bipolar disorder and healthy subjects. Subjects perform tasks of memory, attention, and emotion while in the fMRI scanner.

Bipolar Mania in Adults and Children
Our program is involved in studies assessing the use of atypical antipsychotic agents for the treatment of acute bipolar mania in adolescents and adults. The development of novel treatment options is important given the low response rate to traditional medications that have been used to treat bipolar mania. Several studies are underway to identify the neurochemical mechanisms of pharmacological treatments as well as neurochemical predictors of treatment response.

Bipolar and Schizoaffective Depression in Adults and Children
There is a high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with bipolar depression. Novel approaches to the treatment of bipolar/schizoaffective depression could provide hope to adolescents and adults who are suffering. We are studying several potential treatments for bipolar depression and investigating neurochemical predictors of response and changes in brain neurochemistry in brain regions that are thought to modulate mood.

Neuropsychology of Bipolar Disorder
Our group is currently examining cognitive functioning (such as memory, problem solving, etc.) in patients with bipolar disorder. The neuropsychology component of our program is focused on improving the understanding of cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder.

Weight Gain in Bipolar Adults and Children We are evaluating the treatment of co-occurring weight gain with certain atypical antipsychotics and bipolar disorder.