BREATHE-SMART Research Study – Siblings with Bipolar Disorder

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of a child aged 6-17 who has bipolar disorder? Are you also the parent of another child aged 10-15 who has not been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Your child without bipolar disorder may be able to participate 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 extreme lows of depression. This disorder tends to run in families, which means that children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar are 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 YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 10-15

• Child aged 10-15 is able and willing to undergo MRI scanning (no braces or other metal in their body, not claustrophobic, and has never had head trauma with loss of consciousness)

• Child aged 10-15 is NOT diagnosed of any of the following: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or autism spectrum disorder

• Has a sibling who:

  • Has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder

  • Must also participate in this study by telephone or virtually

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 sibling 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.