Understanding positive emotions in young adults with bipolar disorder

Positive Emotion in Bipolar Disorder Onset and Illness Course in Emerging Adults

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-10994670

This study is looking at how difficulties with managing positive emotions might influence the start and development of bipolar disorder in young adults, and it’s for people who are at high risk, recently diagnosed, or at low risk for the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10994670 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how positive emotion dysregulation (PED) affects the onset and progression of bipolar disorder (BD) in emerging adults. By using a combination of behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify patterns of PED in individuals at high risk for BD, those who have recently been diagnosed, and those at low risk. Over a two-year period, participants will be monitored to see how their emotional responses relate to the development and course of bipolar symptoms. The goal is to better understand the role of positive emotions in the early stages of bipolar disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include emerging adults who are either diagnosed with bipolar disorder, at high risk for developing it, or at low risk.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the emerging adult age range or who do not have a history of mood disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and intervention strategies for bipolar disorder in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding emotional dysregulation in bipolar disorder, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, 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.
Conditions bipolar affective disorder
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.