Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are actively recruiting individuals for our work to identify the risk factors involved in the development of Bipolar Disorder. This project is a multi-centered collaborative effort sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and also a part of the NIMH Genetics Initiative.
It is known that Bipolar Disorder runs in families, however the specific genes have not yet been found, nor do we understand all of the risk factors involved in the development of this illness. The focus of this study is on the adolescent children of a parent who is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or a mood disorder and has a close relative with Bipolar Disorder. Investigators plan to monitor adolescents for 5 years after the initial research evaluation. This will be achieved through interviews and questionnaires performed at various time intervals. We will also take a very small blood sample for future genetic studies.
To qualify you must be an adult with a mood disorder, have a family history of mood problems, and have a child age 12-18 yrs. who is also willing to participate. The interviews and questionnaires will involve information about you and your child. We are offering compensation for your time.
For further questions, please feel free to call Laura Lorenz at 410-502-4330 or email llorenz4@jhmi.edu
It is only through the help of our volunteers that we are able to increase our knowledge, and make significant progress for a brighter future for families who suffer with this illness!
