Persons with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type who has immediate relatives willing to participate may be invited to join one or both of our two studies.
Study A: Individuals 15 or older with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Schizophrenia and at least one other first-degree family member who reside in the Chicago area and are willing to participate. Psychological assessments can be performed at the University of Chicago while the physiological assessments would occur at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
Study B: Individuals 18 and older who live in the Chicago area with Bipolar Disorder or Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type and both biological parents willing to participate. Both the diagnostic interview and blood draw would take place at the University of Chicago.
Both studies are supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Why Study Individuals and Families?
Why Study Individuals and Families? An inborn tendency to develop Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia runs in some individuals and/or families. However, most relatives will never develop the illness.
In our family studies, we can find chromosome regions with genes that may cause some family members to be at risk for Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. As we discover the nature of each gene, we likely will be able to develop better treatments.
We urge individuals suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, along with their family members, to participate in this scientific study which will help us better understand the causes of this disorder.
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Schizophrenia?
Bipolar Disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person's mood usually swings from overly "high" or irritable to sad and hopeless and then back again. There may be periods of normal mood in between. Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems.
Schizophrenia is a debilitating thought disorder characterized by recurrent delusions, hallucinations, and/or disorganized speech and behavior. These symptoms can significantly impair the person interpersonally, occupationally, and with self-care.
Why Should I Participate in a Family Genetic Study?
Many persons who suffer from Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia, or who have a close relative with this disorder, have already brought themselves and/or families into the study. The reason most often given is, "If I can help prevent this from happening to anyone else, I'll do anything." These individuals and families share our hope that finding genetic markers and genes that increase risk for this disorder will help medical researchers understand more about its biological basis. As a result, we will likely be able to develop more effective medications.
You are an essential player in the research. Without the help of people like you and your family, no study of inherited traits can be done and little progress will be made. We depend on your participation.
How Does an Individual or a Family Get into the Study?
Usually, someone who suffers from the disorder, or a close relative, contacts us. We do an initial screening on the individual with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia to see if they may be a good fit for the study. We inquire about immediate relatives with depression, mania, or mood swings. We also ask if first degree relatives are available who might wish to participate.
We must receive verbal or written permission from the immediate relative prior to contacting them for study participation.
Is My Participation Confidential?
All of the information obtained by the Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Family Genetics Research Studies will remain completely confidential, even among participating family members. When research papers are published, no names or other identifying information about individual participants will appear. The study has a "Certificate of Confidentiality" which provides further privacy protection. The interview and blood studies are not part of any clinical medical record.
