Prospective Metabolic Monitoring of Youth and Adults With Bipolar Disorder

Background: Most psychotropic medications that are effective in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder (BD) are associated with endocrine-metabolic changes (EMCs). To date, there is no long-term study in BD that has examined specifically the association of inflammation with EMCs in BD. Specific aims: 1) to identify predictors of EMCs among adolescents and adults with BD who are being started on a medication ; 2) to compare change in EMCs in youth and adults treated for BD; 3) to measure change in EMCs associated with use of different medications for BD. Research Design: Participants: 30 adolescents (14-18 years old) with BD and 30 adults (19-65 years old) with BD. Measures: Blood levels of biomarkers that are associated with EMCs will be measured.