Environmental and genetic factors are believed to play a role in determining who is susceptible to these diseases. While there is no conclusive evidence that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently among the Jewish population, Jewish individuals provide unique opportunitites for genetic studies. This is because the Jewish tradition of marrying within the faith makes the genetic trail easier to follow. The success of the study is dependent on the willingness of individuals and famlies coping with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to join. We are conducting a noninvasive neuroimaging study.
Patients remain on their current medication and in treatment with their referrng physician.
Medications are provided free of charge while patients are enrolled in our studies. There is no fee. The initial evaluation will take about 3 hours and includes a physical examination with cognitive testing. Laboratory of Clinical Science seeks families with two siblings, both of whom have Bipolar Disorder, for a genetic study. Participants are given a confidential interview and provide a small blood sample, for which they are paid.