Mood Disorders affect about 10-15% of the population. They include Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression) and Unipolar Depression (Clinical Depression). The causes of these illnesses are unknown. While there are new treatments available there reamins a considerable need for development of more effective ways to treat the individuals who suffer from these illnesses.

Dr. Jair C. Soares has established a new program to study the causes of mood disorders and new treatments for these conditions. The CERT-BD (Center of Excellence for Research and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder) is currently engaged in a variety of clinical research studies examining the neurobiology of mood disorders and the mechanisms of action of pharmacological treatments. This is achieved through utilizing state-of-the-art tools from clinical neuroscience, including brain imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Our studies also examine the genetic underpinnings of brain function and brain abnormalities in mood disorder patients. In clinical trials, the program is also examining the efficacy of new compounds to treat bipolar and unipolar mood disorders.

Dr. Soares also conducts various clinical research projects that focus on the pathophysiology of mood disorders and the mechanisms of action of pharmacological treatments for these conditions. Some of the ongoing work includes morphometric and functional brain measurements in bipolar and unipolar disorder patients, examining the hypothesis of regional abnormalities in brain regions involved in mood regulation. Other projects also involve in vivo neurochemical brain measurements to examine changes in the chemical composition of the human brain. Some studies will attempt to pinpoint brain mechanisms involved in treatment response in these illnesses. Yet others investigate new candidate drugs for possible better treatments as well as extensive neurocognitive evaluations. CERT-BD, in partnership with the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry, will continue to strive to provide a better future for those who suffer from these disorders.