Understanding the development of bipolar disorder in youth at risk
Official title: 2/2-Neurodevelopmental and Clinical Trajectories of Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11092149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bipolar disorder starts in teens and young adults who have family members with the condition, focusing on how their genes and early life experiences might play a role, so we can better understand what helps or hinders their mental health as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,310 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125867-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 with a family history of bipolar disorder or related psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a family history of bipolar disorder or those who are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bipolar disorder develops in adolescents and young adults who have a family history of the condition. It focuses on the interplay between genetic predispositions and early life experiences that may contribute to the onset of symptoms like mania. By examining brain development and behavioral patterns, the study aims to identify critical factors that influence the trajectory of bipolar disorder in at-risk youth. Participants may undergo assessments and follow-ups to track their mental health and development over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early interventions and preventive strategies for young individuals at risk of developing bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the early development of bipolar disorder can lead to significant advancements in treatment and prevention strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delbello, Melissa P — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Delbello, Melissa P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Detailed brain mapping for bipolar disorder and major depression
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-
Understanding how mood swings happen in bipolar disorder
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Cerebellum and mood in bipolar disorder
A long-term study will look at how the cerebellum’s signals and metabolism relate to mood changes in people with bipolar I and compare them with non-affected individuals.
-
Biological signs linked to alcohol problems in young people with bipolar disorder
This project will look for brain and stress-related signs that predict which young people with bipolar disorder and their peers may go on to develop alcohol problems.
-
Improving emotion control in bipolar disorder with rapid noninvasive brain stimulation
This project uses short sessions of rapid, noninvasive brain stimulation aimed at a specific brain area to help people with bipolar disorder improve control over emotions.
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Finding genes linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Latino and mixed-ancestry people
This project will combine genetic information and gene-activity (RNA) data from Latino people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and people without these conditions to find genes that raise disease risk.
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.