Studying How Alcohol Affects Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder and Typical Development Over Two Years Using Brain Scans and Alcohol Testing

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating biological risk factors that contribute to alcohol use disorders AUDs in young adults with bipolar disorder compared to typically developing young adults. This study aims to understand how changes in brain networks and subjective responses to alcohol and stress may predict the development of AUDs over two years. The study focuses on individuals aged 21 to 26, tracking how stress exposure and early life experiences influence alcohol use and symptoms in these groups. Participants will undergo alcohol administration sessions where they consume beverages containing alcohol or placebo to study their behavioral and neural responses. Initial assessments include clinical evaluations, MRI scans, and placebo-controlled alcohol sessions. Follow-up occurs at one and two years, repeating clinical and MRI assessments, with some participants completing additional stress-related brain imaging and alcohol response tests. This approach allows researchers to examine changes in sensitivity to alcohol and brain function over time in relation to AUD symptoms. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated using clinical interviews, neuroimaging, and detailed alcohol use assessments. Researchers will monitor changes in subjective alcohol response, neural brain network trajectories, and the impact of stress. Outcomes focus on how these factors relate to alcohol misuse and AUD symptoms after two years. Safety measures include monitoring alcohol intake and ensuring participants have safe transportation after sessions. The total study duration for participants is approximately two years with multiple visits for testing and follow-up.

Acute Alcohol Response In Bipolar Disorder: a Longitudinal Alcohol Administration/fMRI Study