Investigators: Jair C. Soares, M.D.

Funding Source: NIMH

Project Time Period: currently recruiting, until 2007

Summary or Description of Project:

The purpose of this study is to study brain chemical imbalances that may be present in individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder (manic-depression), using MRI/MRS and a blood platelet sample. The MRI takes pictures of the brain and the MRS simultaneously measures the chemical of interest. An additional blood chemical is measured using the blood platelet sample. If subjects meet initial eligibility criteria, a screening visit is scheduled. At this screening visit, which can last up to 3 hours, a structured clinical interview is performed by a member of the research team to confirm the psychiatric diagnosis (or lack of a psychiatric diagnosis for healthy control subjects). During this visit, a physical is performed by a medical doctor, and blood and urine samples are collected to rule out any current medical problems. If the subject continues to qualify, the MRI/MRS is then scheduled. The MRI/MRS visit takes approximately 2 hours. Subjects are then scheduled for the platelet blood draw and neuropsychological testing. This visit can take up to 4 hours.

Research Subjects Needed (criteria for selection of subjects - incentives available for volunteers):

Eligibility:

Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type I, II, or NOS (or no psychiatric diagnosis for healthy controls)

• Age 8-17
• No eating disorders
• No current medical problems
• Not pregnant
• No neurological disorders
• No family history of a hereditary neurological disorder
• No alcohol or substance abuse within the last 6 months
• No metal fragments, aneurysm clips, pacemakers, etc.

-The compensation for this study is $20 for the platelet blood draw and $75 for the completed MRI/MRS scan, for a total of $95 if the subject completes both.

How volunteers should make their interests known:

For more information, please call Kristina Hunter (210) 562-5491.