Overview:
This is a study of families with bipolar disorder and families without bipolar disorder.The purpose of this study is to identify markers for Bipolar Disorder and to examine family related and non-family related factors, which may have to do with health, genetics, blood chemistry, and behavior. To do this we will be studying families with and without bipolar disorder. This study consists of clinical interviews and genetic samples taken from blood or saliva.

This is not a treatment study. The study consists of interviews of parents and children and blood draws or cheek swabs. Participants are compensated for their involvement in the study.

Eligibility:

• Parents with biological children between 5 and 26 years of age
• Either one or both parents meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder
  or
  Neither parent meets criteria for any major psychiatric disorder.
• Parents and at least one child agree to participate.

Benefits to participant:

• This study may benefit the subjects by offering them a thorough medical and psychiatric work-up

For more information about participating,
or if you have questions about the study, please contact:

Brendan Carroll, BA
Phone: 212-543-5902

You will be asked several screening questions over the telephone to help determine if you may be eligible for the study.

Study FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. What do I need to do to participate?
Complete an initial phone screen and then an in-person screen to verify your eligibility.

2. Is compensation provided for the screening process?
No, you will not be compensated for the phone screen or the in-person screen.

3. How long would I have to wait to receive compensation?
Compensation is received as a check (or gift certificates for children) at the time of study completion.

4. What risks are involved?
Psychiatric interviews can sometimes be distressing, but some people find talking to a psychologist helpful. There are no known risks associated with a blood draw, other than slight discomfort and occasional bruising. Children under 10 will not have blood draw, but rather a cheek swab will be used.

5. What kind of treatment is provided?
No treatment is provided in this study.

6. Can I be in multiple studies?
Yes. If you participate in this study you may also be eligible to participate in one of our treatment studies.

7. Will my child find out that I have bipolar disorder? Will I be told if you find that my child has a psychiatric problem?
Children are not told about parents’ psychiatric diagnoses. To protect parent confidentiality, the study is described to children as a “study about families”. If we find a problem with your child we will describe the problem to you and suggest an appropriate referral.

8. What kind of training does the clinical staff have?
All psychologists conducting interviews have a master’s degree, at minimum, and most have Ph.D’s

9. What if I sign up for the study, but decide later that I don’t want to participate?
Participation in this study is voluntary and you may choose to discontinue your participation at any point in time.

Basic Information:

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Maria Oquendo

Address:

New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), Unit 21
1051 Riverside Drive, Room 1501
New York, NY 10032

Phone:

For appointments, call (212) 543-5902.