Understanding how brain activity and dopamine levels relate to mania in bipolar disorder
Official title: Linking mania/hypomania with abnormal reward expectancy- and approach-related neural network activity and dopamine release
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11137805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| 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 | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,898 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are unmedicated adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are currently experiencing subsyndromal mania or hypomania.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with bipolar disorder or those who are currently on medication for bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.