Bipolar disorder is often a debilitating mental illness, with a high risk of relapse of manic and depressive episodes, a lifelong increased risk of suicide, and a significant heredity.

Biological markers can be a tool for correct diagnosis

Depression and mania are serious conditions that more young people have been diagnosed with in recent decades. It can be difficult to distinguish unipolar depression from bipolar disorder in young people, but the pharmacological and psychological treatments are different. Often the correct diagnosis is only made after several years of illness, and for many patients it is not possible to predict and thus prevent new episodes. Identification of biological markers for bipolar and unipolar disorder will strengthen early, correct diagnostics and increase the possibility of precise, individualized treatment. The aim of the project is therefore to learn more about young people with bipolar disorder or depression by examining three different markers: 1) Blood, urine and hair-based biological markers for bipolar and unipolar disorder 2) an electronic smartphone-based marker, 3) a neurocognitive signature, i.e. special findings in brain scans and neuropsychological tests.​

If the research group finds more valid measurement methods, it will be a big step towards a better treatment of depression and mania/bipolar disorder. This will make it easier to give the correct diagnoses and initiate the right treatment for the patient.