Understanding how brain circuits related to emotions and appetite are affected in bipolar disorder

Dysregulation of Appetitive & Aversive Amygdala Circuits in Bipolar Disorder

NIH-funded research Mclean Hospital · NIH-10798197

This study is looking at how certain brain cells in the amygdala affect emotions and appetite in people with bipolar disorder, hoping to find out how they work differently than in those without the condition, which could help improve treatments for managing feelings and behaviors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMclean Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Belmont, United States)
Project IDNIH-10798197 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain circuits in the amygdala that regulate emotions and appetite in individuals with bipolar disorder. It aims to identify specific types of neurons that are responsible for aversive feelings like fear and positive feelings like pleasure. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study seeks to understand how these neurons function differently in people with bipolar disorder compared to healthy individuals. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options for managing the emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with this condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder who experience significant mood fluctuations.

Not a fit: Patients with other mental health disorders that do not involve mood dysregulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively target the emotional and behavioral symptoms of bipolar disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Belmont, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.