Project Summary

Aude Henin, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, will use magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine if children at risk for bipolar disorder display brain abnormalities. In the proposed study, Dr. Henin will examine whether children of parents with bipolar disorder have abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and basal ganglia that differentiate them from healthy children without a parental history of bipolar disorder. The researchers will compare 20 high-risk children with bipolar disorder, 20 high-risk children without bipolar disorder, but with mood and disruptive behavior symptoms, 20 high-risk children without major psychiatric disorders, and 20 healthy control children. This study should clarify whether neurochemical abnormalities can be observed in high-risk offspring who are not yet affected with bipolar disorder, but who may display early symptoms of mood and disruptive behavior disorders. Results also should elucidate why some children at risk develop bipolar disorder, whereas others do not. By identifying children at high risk for developing bipolar disorder, early intervention could be provided.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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