Assessment of Brain Functioning in Children with Bipolar Disorder

Focus of Study:

Purpose:

The UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience is conducting a study examining neurocognitive and

neurophysiological profiles of bipolar disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

There is often diagnostic confusion between bipolar disorder and ADHD in youth due to similar

behavioral presentations. Our aim for this study is to examine common and dissociable aspects

of these disorders in order to inform differential diagnosis and better treatment in the future.

Condition:

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder

Study Type:

Non-Treatment

Study Design:

We are recruiting children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old who show symptoms of or

have a diagnosis of Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Bipolar NOS. The study involves a comprehensive

psychiatric evaluation at intake, neurocognitive assessment, electroencephalography (EEG), and

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRl), done over the course of 2 or 3 visits. Participants

and their parents will be compensated for their participation. This study does not provide

treatment. However, with parents’ consent, the assessment information can be shared with the

child’s clinician and a letter with the results from psychiatric evaluation and cognitive testing can

be prepared, which can be useful in treatment and school planning.

Enrollment:

Currently Enrolling

Ages of Eligibility:

Ages 7 - 17

Gender:

Both Genders

Exclusion Criteria:

If you answer YES to any of these questions, your child DOES NOT qualify for this study:

1. Is your child left-handed?

2. Does your child wear braces or does he/she have any metal in his/her body?

3. Has your child ever been diagnosed with psychosis, schizophrenia, pervasive

developmental disorder, autism or asbergers?

4. Does your child have a history of seizures (excluding febrile seizures)?

5. Is your child pregnant or nursing a child?

6. Has your child been residing with a caregiver other than yourself for the past 6 months or longer?

Contacts:

Brittany Scott

Clinical Coordinator

(310) 794-5841

Locations:

UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience

Los Angels, CA 90095

Investigators:

Patricia Waishaw, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Study ID Numbers:

UCLA IRB#: 07-11-101-03A