Investigating biological factors that may lead to alcohol use disorders in young adults with bipolar disorder.
Official title: Biological Risk Factors for the Prospective Development of Alcohol Use Disorders in Young Adults with Bipolar Disorder and Typically Developing Young Adults
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11026442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain biological factors and life experiences might lead to alcohol problems in young adults with bipolar disorder, using brain scans to see how things change over time, so we can find better ways to help those who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,443 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 12 to 20 who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are typically developing individuals in the same age range.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or do not have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how biological risk factors contribute to the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in young adults, particularly those with bipolar disorder. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to track changes in brain structure and function over time, while also examining how stress and early life experiences may influence alcohol responses. Participants will be monitored through a longitudinal approach to identify predictors of AUDs and improve prevention strategies. The goal is to clarify the mechanisms behind this comorbidity to enhance treatment outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorders in young adults with bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited longitudinal research on this specific topic, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between alcohol use and bipolar disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lippard, Elizabeth Thomas Cox — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Lippard, Elizabeth Thomas Cox
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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.