Division of Bipolar Disorders Research

The Division of Bipolar Disorders Research within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience is devoted to conducting research to improve our understanding of both the causes and longer term effects of bipolar disorder.

The Division is co-directed by Melissa DelBello, MS, MD (Department Chair) and Caleb Adler, MD, and includes a multidisciplinary group of physicians and other researchers who are experts in the care of children, adolescents, and adults with bipolar disorder. All of our staff have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing mood and other psychiatric disorders.

Bipolar disorders research at UC is supported by funding from governmental, non-profit, and corporate sources. We have received grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Stanley Research Foundation, the Klingenstein Foundation, NIDA, NIAAA, PCORI, Depression and Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment Foundation, and NARSAD: the Brain and Behavior Research Fund.

Current Research Opportunities

Do You Have ADHD? And Have a Parent or Sibling with Bipolar Disorder?

What
This research study investigates brain functioning in youth who are experiencing ADHD symptoms and have a family history of bipolar disorder. Participants will be randomized to Adderall XR or placebo for 12 weeks of treatment.

Who
Youth 10 to 18 years of age with a biological parent or sibling with bipolar disorder who are experiencing ADHD symptoms or have been diagnosed with ADHD, and who have not taken an ADHD medication in the past 3 months.

Pay
Participants may receive up to $380 for their time and transportation. Medication will be provided at no cost to participants.

Details
Participants will have 2 MRI scans. For more information, contact Veronica at agherava@ucmail.com or call (513)558-3314

Child Depression Study

What
The purpose of this clinical research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an investigational drug for depression in children.

Who
Children 7-11 years of age who are affected by depression and are still experiencing symptoms.

Pay
Participants may receive up to $625 in compensation for their transportation and/or time for study visits. All study visits, tests, and procedures will be provided at no cost to participants.

Details
For more information, visit www.kites-study.com or contact Kelsey Reinhart at reinhakt@ucmail.com or call (513) 558-3952

Adolescents with Depression and/or Anxiety and a Parent or Sibling with Bipolar Disorder

What
The purpose of this clinical research study is to investigate brain changes in adolescents who are currently experiencing depressive and/or anxiety symptoms and have a family history of bipolar disorder. Participants will be randomized to escialopram and psychotherapy or placebo and psychotherapy for a 16-week treatment

Who
Adolescents 12-17 years of age who are experiencing depressive and or anxiety symptoms or have been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety and have first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with bipolar I disorder may be eligible to participate.

Pay
Participants will receive compensation for their transportation and/or time for the study visits. All study visits, tests, procedures, and medication will be provided at no cost to participants.

Details
Participants will have MRI scans. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Bruns at kaitlyn.bruns@ucmail.com or call (513) 558-5303

A Research Study for Healthy Adolescents

Looking at the Brain Structure, Function, and Chemistry

What
This is a research study that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brain structure, function and chemistry of typical adolescents to those with depression and/or anxiety.

Who
Adolescents 12-17 years of age who do not have a history of mental illness may be eligible to participate.

Pay
Participants will receive compensation for their transportation and/or time for the study visits. All study visits, tests, procedures, and medication will be provided at no cost to participants.

Details
Participants will have MRI scans. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Bruns at kaitlyn.bruns@ucmail.com or call (513) 558-5303