Cerebellum metabolism and mood changes in bipolar disorder
Cerebellar metabolism, neural circuits, and symptoms in bipolar disorder
Researchers will follow people with bipolar I and matched controls over two years to see how cerebellum chemistry, activity, and structure change when mood shifts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177039 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a two-year study that includes 170 people with bipolar I and 90 matched people without bipolar disorder. Participants will complete brief weekly mood check-ins, and when mood changes are detected those with bipolar disorder will be brought in for brain scans. Scans include imaging of brain chemistry, brain activity, and anatomy to track cerebellar changes over time. The goal is to link fluctuations in mood to changes in cerebellar metabolism and circuits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosed bipolar I disorder who can commit to two years of weekly mood checks and travel to Iowa City for periodic brain imaging are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without bipolar I, those with medical or metal implants that prevent MRI, pregnant people, or anyone unable to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain changes that predict mood episodes and guide new monitoring methods or treatments targeting the cerebellum.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional studies, including the investigators' own work, have found cerebellar differences in bipolar disorder, but longitudinal evidence linking cerebellar changes to mood fluctuations is limited.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magnotta, Vincent a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Magnotta, Vincent a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.