Understanding how movement and mood changes relate to risk for bipolar disorders in young people

Locomotor Activation and Mania Spectrum Risk: Circadian and Reward Mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11091562

This study is looking at how being active and your daily routines might help us understand the risk of developing bipolar disorder in teens and young adults, so we can find ways to spot and help those who might be at risk earlier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11091562 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between locomotor activity and the risk of developing bipolar spectrum disorders in adolescents and young adults. By measuring physical activity levels and examining circadian and reward mechanisms, the study aims to identify objective markers that can predict the onset of these disorders. Participants will undergo laboratory assessments and naturalistic follow-ups to track changes in their behavior and mood over time. The goal is to improve early detection and intervention strategies for those at risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who exhibit subthreshold mania symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit any symptoms of mania or related mood disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for young individuals at risk of developing bipolar spectrum disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying behavioral markers for mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-10 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.