Research Programs

Melvin McInnis, M.D., Thomas B. and Nancy Upjohn Woodworth Professor of Bipolar Disorder and Depression, U-M Depression Center

Bipolar Disorder is known to run in families, but most genes involved have not yet been identified. A person’s response to the illness, to various life circumstances and treatment can vary.  Through our studies, we strive to make a difference for individuals whose lives have been touched by Bipolar Disorder.

Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder

To identify potential illness patterns in Bipolar Disorder. This will be done through the analysis of genetic information and the continued observation of people with Bipolar Disorder for at least five years. More information

Adolescents at High Risk for Familial Bipolar Disorder

To identify risk factors in the development of Bipolar Disorder. If we are able to recognize biological, behavioral, social, or psychological features that predict the development of Bipolar Disorder, we may be able to decrease the impact the illness has on the individual and their family. More information

Prechter Bipolar Genetics Repository 

To one day provide significant resources to the Bipolar Disorder research community. Information will be stored at the University of Michigan, along with independently approved collaborating sites that include the Universities of: Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and Cornell.

Together, these investigators are working with their research teams on specific studies to collect phenotypic information, or observable traits, on 1000 Bipolar individuals and also on 1000 Control participants. They are also collecting biological samples by examining the blood and extracting the genetic material, specifically the DNA from the participants.

It is the goal that the Repository will house these data and upon request, will distribute these valuable resources to investigators within the Bipolar Research Community.