Basic information
Investigator: prof. Martin Alda, MD FRCPC
Main recipient: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Research period: 1/5/2023 – 31/12/2026
Total budget: 10,797,000 CZK
Supported by: Czech Health Research Council (AZV ČR)
Annotation
We propose to conduct genomic study of the longterm course of bipolar disorder in patients who already participate in two long-term actigraphic monitoring projects. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. In spite of decades of research, the physiological dysregulations underlying the recurrences are poorly understood. This limits our ability to determine periods of low and high risk of relapse. We will study 450 patients with bipolar disorder who participate in long term actigraphic projects stretching over more than one year. We will analyze the actigraphic data (sleep, activity, heart rate variability, subclinical mood changes) to differentiate patients with high and low risk of recurrence. We will obtain salivary samples for DNA analyses and perform whole-genome genotyping. Next, we will compare the patient groups using polygenic scores for major psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder and attention deficit disorder) as well as for physiological measures (e.g. sleep characteristics). The project will improve our understanding of the longitudinal course of bipolar disorder and ultimately help reduce the risk of relapse.