Investigating how environmental and genetic factors contribute to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Official title: A comparison of environmental and genetic risks for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A Swedish national study
Funded at Karolinska Institute · NIH-10577897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like growing up in a city or facing tough times as a child might affect the chances of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and how these factors mix with our genes; it's designed to help us find better ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Karolinska Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Solna, Sweden) |
| Project start | May 18, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $283,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH122544-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10577897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as those who have experienced significant environmental stressors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition or relevant environmental exposures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the influence of environmental factors, such as urban living and childhood adversity, on the risk of developing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It also explores how these environmental risks interact with genetic predispositions to these mental health conditions. Utilizing data from the Swedish National Registers, which includes information from over 10 million individuals, the study aims to identify shared and unique risk factors for both disorders. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to provide insights into prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and targeted interventions for individuals at risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying environmental risk factors for schizophrenia, but this approach to bipolar disorder is less explored, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Karolinska Institute
Solna, Sweden Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bergen, Sarah E — Karolinska Institute
- Study coordinator: Bergen, Sarah E
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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.