Understanding how brain activity and dopamine levels relate to mania in bipolar disorder
Linking mania/hypomania with abnormal reward expectancy- and approach-related neural network activity and dopamine release
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11137805
This study is looking at how the brain works during moments of high energy and excitement in people with bipolar disorder, comparing them to healthy individuals, to help find better ways to treat these feelings.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to mania and hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder. By examining brain activity and dopamine release in response to reward expectancy and decision-making, the study aims to identify specific neural networks involved in these conditions. Participants will include unmedicated adults with bipolar disorder and healthy controls, allowing for a comparison of brain function and behavior. The findings could lead to new treatment approaches that target these underlying mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are unmedicated adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are currently experiencing subsyndromal mania or hypomania.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with bipolar disorder or those who are currently on medication for bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for mania and hypomania in bipolar disorder, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of bipolar disorder, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.
Conditions: bipolar affective disorder, bipolar disease, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar mood disorder