Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder

The Largest Long-Term Research Study for Bipolar Disorder in the Nation

Neuro-psych testing as part of the Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder

Background: 
The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Project was established in 2001 and has since supported scientific investigators at many renowned institutions. In 2005, the Project helped launch the Prechter Bipolar Genetics Repository at the University of Michigan and with that its flagship study, the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder, whose goal it is to identify potential illness patterns in bipolar disorder.

Why study bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is known to run in families, but most genes involved have not yet been identified. Additionally, every individual’s response to the illness, life circumstances, and treatment can vary widely. Studying many individuals over time will allow scientists to better understand how to treat and eventually, prevent bipolar disorder.

What happens to study participants?
Investigators plan to monitor participants across their lifespan. After the initial research evaluation, which includes a blood sample or saliva sample, online bi-monthly questionnaires will be sent to you. Annual interviews will be scheduled and can be completed on the phone, Zoom or in-person. Compensation is $100 for the first study visit, and up to $150 for each year following. Study visits may be completed in-person at the University of Michigan Rachel Upjohn Building or remotely, by phone or Zoom.

Who can participate?
The Bipolar Research Team is seeking adults with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We also invite adults without a personal or first-degree (parents,siblings,children) family history of mental health diagnosis to be in our comparison group. We hope to recruit a diverse set of participants so our research findings will be applicable to the broader population. While we are currently looking to recruit individuals ages 18-55, we will consider individuals older than this age range to help us build a representative group of study participants.

What are the risks?
Risks are minimal; a member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the risks of participation. It is important to know that participating in research is completely voluntary and should you decide not to proceed, there will be no adverse consequences.

What are the benefits?
There are no direct tangible benefits other than financial compensation. However, many people feel a sense of satisfaction knowing they have contributed to the understanding of bipolar disorder and to our search for more effective treatments of this debilitating disease.

How do I get involved?
Contact our research team by phone or email. In order to determine your eligibility, we will conduct a 15 minute phone interview with you. Any information shared with our research staff will remain confidential.

This study has received approval from IRBMED: HUM00000606

To participate in our studies, please contact us at
877-864-3637 toll-free
877-UM-GENES
[email protected]