BREATHE-SMART Research Study – Parents with Bipolar Disorder

STUDY BASICS

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Are you the parent of a 10-15 years old child without bipolar disorder? If so, you and your child may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about emotions and memory in children and adolescents. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes extreme mood changes from manic episodes of very high energy to the extreme lows of depression. It is also called manic-depressive disorder.  This disorder tends to run in families, which means that children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are much more likely to develop mood disorders than those who do not.

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the relationship between brain function and the risk for mood disorders, and to find out if four weeks of regular mindfulness practice can change brain function and mood symptoms. Mindfulness teaches people to be more aware and accepting of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment and may help people respond better to stress and emotions. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to identify and prevent the onset of mood disorders in at-risk youth.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Adult diagnosed with bipolar disorder
• Parent of a child who is:
  • 10-15 years old
  • NOT diagnosed with any of the following: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or autism spectrum disorder
  • Willing to undergo MRI scanning (no braces or other metal in the body, not claustrophobic and no history of head trauma with loss of consciousness)
• Your child must have daily access to smart phone or tablet
• Your child has not already participated in the Brain Regulation of Emotions Study or the BEAM Study

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves psychiatric assessments, questionnaires, and MRI brain scans. During a 1–2 hour initial baseline visit, your child will be asked to answer questions and the researchers will confirm that a parent has the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Your child will also be asked to undergo two MRI brain scans as well as to use the “Smiling Mind” mindfulness app for at least five minutes per day for four weeks. During a two-month follow-up appointment, you and your child will complete additional questionnaires.