Overview

The purpose of this NIH (National Institute of Health) funded study is to examine the possible existence of brain abnormalities in children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder (manic-depression) by using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS). We will look at specific brain regions involved with mood regulation as well as neurochemical measurements. The MRI takes pictures of the brain and the MRS simultaneously measures a specific brain chemical called N-Acetyl-Asparate (NAA). This study will attempt to further clarify the meaning of specific brain abnormalities that have been previously identified in imaging studies involving adult bipolar subjects. In addition this study involves a clinical trial of the mood stabilizer Valproate.

If your child meets the initial eligibility criteria a screening visit is scheduled. The screening visit lasts up to 3 hours and involves a structured clinical interview that asks you and your child questions about your family's medical and psychiatric history as well as specific questions about your child's physical development and physical/mental status.This will be conducted by a member of our research team.

For Bipolar Participants at the screening visit your child will also receive a physical exam and provide a urine sample for lab tests and to rule out drug use and pregnancy. At visit two your child will receive an MRI/MRS at UNC's Biomedical Research Imaging Center. The MRI/MRS will be repeated after taking medication for one week and again at the last visit. These visits will take about 90 minutes. At the third visit your child will complete a series of neuropsychological tests on the computer and with pen and paper. These tests will take approxiamtely 4-5 hours and will be repeated at the last visit as well. Once your child has completed the initial assessment, first MRI/MRS, and first neuropsychological test the treatment phase will begin. You and your child will be asked to come back once a week for 6 weeks. You and your child will fill out questionnaires and answer questions about your child's mood and give blood samples to monitor medication levels. These visits will last about 30-45 minutes each.

For Healthy Controls at the screening visit a urine sample will also be taken to rule out drug use and pregnancy. At visit 2 your child will receive an MRI/MRS at UNC's Biomedical Research Imaging Center. This will take approximately 90 minutes. At visit 3 your child will take a series of neuropsychological tests on the computer and with pen and paper. This will take approximately 3-5 hours. At each visit you and your child will be asked to fill out questionaires and answer questions about your child's mood as well.

Eligibility

• For Bipolar Participants a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
• For Healthy Controls no previous psychiatric diagnosis for your child or first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children)
• Age 8-17
• Not currently pregnant
• No current major medical problems (i.e. cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart problems)
• No illegal substances for 6 months
• Not currently on psychiatric medications
• No metal plates/parts in body (pacemakers, aneurysm clips, screws, etc.)
• No history of epilepsy or loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes

Study Payment