Help Mental Health Researchers Investigate Alcohol & Bipolar Type 1 Disorder

Contents

Next Steps

  1. Complete the study questionnaire
  2. Understand if you’re eligible to participate
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Research Center: University of Texas at Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Lead Researcher: Elizabeth Lippard, Ph.D.
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Texas at Austin Institutional Review Board


About the Study


Are you living with bipolar disorder and concerned that you may be at greater risk for alcohol problems and other health concerns? You’re not alone. Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder, yet most research on risk factors for alcohol use disorder has excluded individuals with bipolar disorder. That’s why the University of Texas at Austin is conducting a groundbreaking study to fill this gap and investigate the risk factors that may contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder in bipolar disorder. They are looking at behavioral, neural, and cognitive differences to better understand why young people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for alcohol and substance use disorders.

Join this study in this important effort to improve the lives of those affected by bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. Learn more and participate in this study today!


Why Participate?


  • Participants will be compensated up to $220 for participating in this study.
  • Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with bipolar disorder type 1 in the future. This research may reveal more about the effects of alcohol on health and risk behaviors and potentially develop better treatment options and prevention/intervention programs for those with bipolar disorder type 1.
  • Participants will be helping to advance mental health research.

Your Rights


  • If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to participate, you can withdraw at any time.
  • Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
  • Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?


  • Men and women aged 21-26 who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I
  • Must have consumed more than 2 (for females) and 3 (for males) alcoholic drinks on a single occasion over the last year
  • Must not have been diagnosed with significant head trauma (having lost consciousness for more than or equal to 5 minutes)
  • Must not have a history of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease
  • Must not have a history of severe alcohol or substance use disorder
  • Must not have ever received treatment for alcohol use
  • Must not have any metal in their body that cannot be removed for MRI purposes
  • Must not have any medical, religious, or other reasons for not drinking alcohol
  • Must be able to attend 3 study visits, with 1 virtual visit and 2 study visits at the research site

Additional inclusion/exclusion criteria will be assessed with a brief phone screen by a study team member.


More Study Details


The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details are:

  • For the first portion of the study, participants will complete interviews detailing their mental health and alcohol/substance use histories. They will also provide a saliva sample for optional genetic testing, a urine sample, and will have an MRI scan.
  • The second portion of the study will involve consuming alcoholic beverages at the study site on two occasions. These alcohol-drinking sessions will be 1-3 days apart. The amount of alcohol you will be asked to consume is calculated to achieve a target blood-alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08%. After consuming alcohol, participants will have further MRI scans and complete self-report questionnaires.
  • You may be invited to return to the research site to have an MRI scan and complete clinical behavioral assessments one year later.

About the Research Center:


The University of Texas at Austin
Founded in 1833, the University of Texas at Austin is ranked among the top 40 universities globally. UT is Texas’ top research university and prides itself on offering its staff, students, and researchers a place to pursue opportunities, and foster their talents and interests as “tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs, and engineers.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.


Location:


What’s Next?

  1. Click the link to enter your contact details and take the study questionnaire.
  2. If eligible, a member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study and answer any questions you may have.
Click Here to Check Your Eligibility for this Study

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