Identifying brain and behavior markers for bipolar disorder in youth
Official title: From Manic Symptoms to Bipolar Disorder: Neural-behavioral Markers Using Two Analytic Models
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11184809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at young people who show early signs of bipolar disorder, like feeling really high or energetic, to find clues in their brain and behavior that might help doctors spot the condition sooner and provide better support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $139,176 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH121451-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who display prodromal manic symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit any manic symptoms or have already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early signs of bipolar disorder in adolescents by examining brain and behavioral markers. It focuses on youth who exhibit manic symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Using advanced analytic models, the study aims to identify neural patterns and behavioral indicators that could predict the development of bipolar disorder. By understanding these markers, the research seeks to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for affected youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of bipolar disorder in youth, allowing for timely and effective interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diler, Rasim Somer — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Diler, Rasim Somer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
Researchers are using thousands of MRI scans to map fine-grained brain structure differences in people with bipolar disorder and major depression compared with people without these conditions.
-
Understanding how mood swings happen in bipolar disorder
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-
Cerebellum and mood in bipolar disorder
A long-term study will look at how the cerebellum’s signals and metabolism relate to mood changes in people with bipolar I and compare them with non-affected individuals.
-
Biological signs linked to alcohol problems in young people with bipolar disorder
This project will look for brain and stress-related signs that predict which young people with bipolar disorder and their peers may go on to develop alcohol problems.
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Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
This project uses short sessions of rapid, noninvasive brain stimulation aimed at a specific brain area to help people with bipolar disorder improve control over emotions.
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Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
This project will combine genetic information and gene-activity (RNA) data from Latino people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and people without these conditions to find genes that raise disease risk.
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.