Understanding brain mechanisms that predict bipolar disorder in young adults
Official title: Reward, impulsive sensation seeking and emotional dysregulation: neural mechanisms underlying risk for bipolar disorder in young adults
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10989966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity and structure can help spot young adults who might be at risk for bipolar disorder instead of just major depression, with the hope of finding ways to prevent these conditions from developing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R37MH100041-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who may be experiencing symptoms of mood disorders or have a family history of bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not young adults or those who do not exhibit any symptoms of mood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain activities and structures can help identify young adults at risk for bipolar disorder compared to major depressive disorder. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to find objective neural markers that can predict future mental health issues. The goal is to develop new interventions that could delay or prevent the onset of these debilitating disorders by understanding the underlying neural mechanisms. Participants may undergo brain scans and assessments to help researchers gather data on emotional regulation and impulsivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and prevention strategies for bipolar disorder in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying neural markers for mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Mary Louise — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Mary Louise
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
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-
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.