Bipolar Disorder Research Study
The University of Texas at Austin is studying the experiences of alcohol intoxication and related brain development and behavior.
Fast Facts
Ages 21-26
Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type I
Drink Alcohol
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Austin, TX
Study Background
Researchers at UT Austin are investigating biological risk factors of alcohol use disorders in young adults with bipolar disorder.
This study examines how individuals with bipolar disorder respond to alcohol over time, and how this affects brain development. Researchers will then compare these effects among individuals who do not have bipolar disorder.
Study procedures include completing a clinical history interview, drinking alcohol in a bar-like lab setting, and completing an MRI scan. This is a longitudinal study so participants will be brought back on average one and two years later to repeat study components.
We hope this study will help us to improve our understanding of bipolar disorder and help treat future patients with bipolar disorder or similar conditions. Potential benefits include an increased understanding of the effects of alcohol on health and risk behaviors. Such knowledge will ultimately lead to the development of more effective prevention and intervention programs in bipolar disorder targeting the negative consequences of alcohol use.
Study Background
Researchers at UT Austin are investigating biological risk factors of alcohol use disorders in young adults with bipolar disorder.
This study examines how individuals with bipolar disorder respond to alcohol over time, and how this affects brain development. Researchers will then compare these effects among individuals who do not have bipolar disorder.
Study procedures include completing a clinical history interview, drinking alcohol in a bar-like lab setting, and completing an MRI scan. This is a longitudinal study so participants will be brought back on average one and two-years later to repeat study components.
We hope this study will help us to improve our understanding of bipolar disorder and help treat future patients with bipolar disorder or similar conditions. Potential benefits include an increased understanding of the effects of alcohol on health and risk behaviors. Such knowledge will ultimately lead to the development of more effective prevention and intervention programs in bipolar disorder targeting the negative consequences of alcohol use.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to investigate how individuals with bipolar disorder respond to alcohol over time, and its relations with brain development, and compare these effects among individuals who do not have bipolar disorder.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21-26
- Diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I
- Drink alcohol
- No history of severe alcohol use disorder
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal on or in your body, no severe claustrophobia)
- Have consumed 4+ (men) or 3+ (women) drinks at least twice in the past 12 months
- No history of serious medical illness
- No history of head trauma (loss of consciousness ≥ 5 minutes)
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
- Able to drink alcohol (no history of an abstinence-oriented treatment program for alcohol use, reporting wanting to quit drinking but not being able to, any medical, religious, or other reasons for not drinking alcohol)
- No history of heart attack, heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease
- No history of a bad reaction to alcoholic beverages (i.e. flushing, seizures)
- Able to have a friend or family member drive them home after the alcohol administration session
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete clinical interviews, and behavioral assessments, complete MRI scanning, and drink alcohol on multiple days. This will occur over a 2-3-day period at the University of Texas at Austin.
Compensation is provided up to $1021 for your participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
