Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition which affects over 2% of population and has a major   impact on social functioning of those who suffer from it. CIBERSAM's research programme on this illness is one of the world leaders in the identification of the causes and treatment of bipolar disorder and it is making a substantial contribution to improving its prognosis, both through pharmacotherapy and innovative psychological interventions.

Within a multidisciplinary framework, the projects' topics include aspects as broad as neurocognitive improvement, pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics, multimorbidity, lifestyle and the role of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the retina in the disease.

CIBERSAM research has identified risk genes, brain circuits involved in emotional dysregulation, biomarkers, and psychosocial factors involved in the onset of the disorder that, in the future, with the necessary financial support, will bring us closer to the goal of effectively curing and preventing the disease.

Lines of research

• Determination of prevalence, incidence, comorbidity and disability associated with bipolar disorder.
• Study of the early stages of the disease and the genetic and environmental factors associated with disease staging.
• Analysis of the role of neurocognition and neuroimaging as endophenotypes and as potentially treatable prognostic factors.
• Validation of psychometric instruments for use in bipolar disorder.
• Research on biomarkers (neuroimaging, neurocognitive, genetic), drugs and psychosocial interventions to improve treatment, diagnostic accuracy and functional prognosis of people with bipolar disorder.

Groups

Coordinator: Vicent Balanzá Martínez. Universidad de Valencia.