Goals and Objectives

Individual and Family Genetic Study Of Bipolar Disorder

Elliot S. Gershon, M.D., Project Chief

The staff of the Bipolar Disorder Genetics Research Project invites individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder OR individuals with Bipolar disorder and having two or more immediate relatives with depression, mania, or mood swings to join our study. Parents are also asked to participate when available. This study is funded and approved by the National Institutes of Health.

Why Study Individuals and Families?

Why Study Individuals and Families? An inborn tendency to develop Bipolar disorder runs in some individuals and/or families. However, most relatives will never develop the illness.

In our family studies, we can find chromosome regions with genes that may cause some family members to be at risk for Bipolar disorder. As we discover the nature of each gene, we likely will be able to develop better treatments.

For testing specific genes, large numbers of unrelated Bipolar persons offer greater statistical power. So we are enrolling Bipolar individuals without available families as well.

We urge individuals suffering from Bipolar disorder, along with their family members, to participate in this scientific study which will help us better understand the causes of this disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person's mood usually swings from overly "high" or irritable to sad and hopeless and then back again. There may be periods of normal mood in between. Family members of people with Bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems.

Why Should I Participate in a Family Genetic Study?

Many persons who suffer from Bipolar disorder, or who have a close relative with the disorder, have already brought themselves and/or families into the study. The reason most often given is, "If I can help prevent this from happening to anyone else, I'll do anything." These individuals and families share our hope that finding genetic markers and genes that increase risk for this disorder will help medical researchers understand more about its biological basis. As a result, we will likely be able to develop more effective medications.

You are an essential player in the research. Without the help of people like you and your family, no study of inherited traits can be done and little progress will be made. We depend on your participation.

How Does an Individual or Family Get into the Study?

Usually, someone who suffers from the disorder, or a close relative, contacts us. We do an initial screening on the individual previous diagnosed with Bipolar disorder or an individual that has symptoms of Bipolar. We also inquire about immediate relatives with depression, mania, or mood swings. We must receive verbal or written permission from the immediate relative prior to our contact to them on study participation.

Participants contribute the following:

an interview session which may be completed over the phone or in person
a sample of blood
family history interview which may be completed over the phone or in person
self-report questionnaires

Scheduling an Interview

Scheduling is done to best suit the study participant. A significant portion of the work can be done by telephone. Weekend and evening appointments are available for those who need them. No travel is needed.

About the Interview

It asks about one's health history which includes general medical history, psychiatric history and symptoms.
It can be done on the telephone or in person.
It lasts about three to four hours.
It is in strict confidence, even among family members.

Participants are paid $25.00.*

About the Blood Sample

Only a few ounces are needed.
It can be done at the family member's own clinic or doctor's office.
The study covers any charges for the procedure and for shipping.
It will enable us to look at parts of the human cells called DNA which carry the tendency for Bipolar disorder in an individual and/or from generation to generation.
Participants are paid $50.00* for the blood sample.

*Payment is made once both portions have been completed.

Confidentiality

All of the information obtained by the Bipolar Disorder Genetics Research Project will remain completely confidential, even among family members. When research papers are published, no names or other identifying information about individual participants will appear. The study has a "Certificate of Confidentiality" which provides further privacy protection. The interview and blood studies are not part of any clinical medical record.

How Can I Participate?

Please contact our study line at (866) 51-GENES or (773) 834-3560. Our staff will be glad to answer any of your questions.

If you prefer, you may fill out the form below and we will contact you directly.

Bipolar Disorder Genetics Research Project
The University of Chicago
5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3077
Chicago, Illinois 60637

Investigators

NIH Grant MH59535, MH61613

Principal Investigator
- Elliot S. Gershon, M.D.
Study Coordinators
- Donna Harakal, R.N.
- Stacey Barrenger, B.A.
Co-Investigators
- Judith Badner, M.D.
- Maria Caserta, M.D.
- Stephen Dinwiddie, M.D.

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