Effect of Behavioral Intervention on Cannabinoid Receptors in BAD

The objective of this study is to determine whether the practice of a non-drug related intervention technique (behavioral modification technique consisting of a combination of breathing exercises, cold exposure and meditation) has an effect on long-term cannabinoid receptor function in a control group as well as in a group of patients suffering from bipolar affective disorder (BAD). Specifically, the objective of this study is to test whether the applied behavioral modification technique is able to alter cannabinoid receptor density in brain areas that modulate mood and motivational drive (such as vmPFC, PAG, VTA, amygdala and OFC). The investigators believe that these studies will form the impetus for a better understanding and deployment of non-drug related treatment methods in patients with various depressive symptoms. In particular, it appears that the proposed behavioral modification technique might be a powerful, currently under-appreciated, method to positively modulate the brain's own cannabinoid system.