Understanding the development of bipolar I disorder in young people
Official title: 1/2 Neurodevelopmental and clinical trajectories of youth at risk for bipolar I disorder
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11111169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bipolar I disorder starts in young people, especially those with a family history of the condition, by exploring how genes and early life experiences might lead to symptoms like mania, with the goal of finding early warning signs and better ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $938,141 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125886-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 with a family history of bipolar disorder or related psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of bipolar disorder or who are outside the age range of 12 to 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bipolar I disorder develops in youth, particularly focusing on those at risk due to family history. It examines the interplay between genetic factors and early life experiences that may contribute to the onset of mania, which often begins in adolescence. The study aims to identify early signs and symptoms, as well as the impact of environmental stressors on mental health. By tracking these factors over time, the research seeks to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder in young individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for youth at risk of developing bipolar I disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the early indicators of bipolar disorder, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strakowski, Stephen M — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Strakowski, Stephen M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SCC Deep Brain Stimulation for Bipolar Depression in Bipolar I Patients
A small study tests whether deep brain stimulation of the subcallosal cingulate can help people with bipolar I depression who have not improved with other treatments, while monitoring brain signals to watch for manic switches.
-
Comparing an oral crystallized lithium capsule (AL001) with immediate‑release lithium carbonate in adults with Bipolar I Disorder
This project will test whether a new crystallized lithium capsule called AL001 is as safe and reaches the brain differently than standard immediate‑release lithium carbonate in adults with Bipolar I Disorder.
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LB-102 for adults with Bipolar I major depressive episodes
This trial will test whether taking LB-102 once daily helps adults with Bipolar I disorder who are currently in a major depressive episode, compared with a placebo, over 6 weeks.
-
NBI-1117568 for adults with Bipolar I disorder experiencing current mania
This trial will test whether NBI-1117568 reduces manic symptoms in adults with Bipolar I disorder who are currently having a manic episode.
-
Personalized weight-loss medication plan for adults with bipolar disorder
This pilot tests whether matching FDA-approved weight-loss medicines to specific obesity types helps adults aged 18–65 with bipolar disorder lose weight.
-
Monthly subcutaneous long-acting cariprazine injection for adults with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder.
This will test a once-a-month subcutaneous long-acting form of cariprazine for adults with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder who are eligible for the oral medication.
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.