Lines of research for Bipolar Disorder

Numerous studies have been conducted around bipolar disorder over the last 20 years, with advances leading to new treatments, both pharmacological and psychological, almost annually. Meanwhile, advances in genetics, neuroimaging and other laboratory testing increasingly reveal the biological basis of the disorder, contributing to the development of more and better treatments.

The main current lines of research focus on the following fields:

• Neurobiology. Genetics, neuromodulators, hormonal factors and neuroimaging.
• Cognition and functionality. Assessment and detection of cognitive and functional impairment, development and implementation of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological rehabilitation treatments.
• Clinical and therapeutic correlates. Subtypes, schizoaffective disorder, comorbidities, assessment scales and developmental course.
• Precision therapeutics. Psychotherapies, represented primarily by psychoeducation for patients and families, online interventions and smartphones. Treatments and pharmacological trials that attempt to personalise treatment to each circumstance.

The research is led by the Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit and is channelled through the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) in the area of ​​Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences. Specifically, in the following research group:

• Bipolar and Depressive Disorders

Research is also channelled through the following entities:

• Institute of Neurosciences (University of Barcelona)
• Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), in group G25 of the Bipolar Disorder Programme
• Generalitat Research Group (2017 SGR 1365)
• ENBREC (European Network of Bipolar Research Expert Centres)
• ConLiGen International Consortium (http://www.conligen.org/)
• ENIGMA International Consortium

The Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit at the Hospital Clínic has led and participated in at least 100 national and international studies on affective disorders, providing insight into relevant aspects of the course and prognosis of these illnesses (clinical, biological and neurocognitive).  In 2005, it was recognised as a consolidated research group by the AGAUR.

The main lines of research of the Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit at Hospital Clínic, Barcelona are:

•  Incipient psychosis and first affective episodes
•  Bipolar disorder subtypes
• Bipolar disorders in older adults
• Treatment-resistant bipolar and depressive disorders
•  Pharmacological treatment monitoring
• Psychotherapy, psychoeducation and suicide prevention
• Development and validation of digital tools for monitoring and treatment
• Neurocognitive and functional rehabilitation
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Brain stimulation techniques