The Mood Disorders Research Group focus on investigations of bipolar disorder/manic depression and other psychotic illnesses, such as schizoaffective disorder and puerperal psychosis. Our broad aims are to investigate genetic and other factors that may contribute to the aetiology of these illnesses.
Many people experience a lifelong tendency to substantial swings of mood (which may be referred to as bipolarity or cyclothymia). Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness, refers to severe episodes of mood disturbance that affect a person’s ability to function normally. This occurs in at least 1% of the population. Bipolar disorder is characterised by disturbances in mood ranging from depression to elation. These moods may also be accompanied by alterations in thinking and perception, including psychotic features (delusions and hallucinations). Bipolar disorder can cause a great deal of suffering and, although treatments such as medication and psychotherapy are helpful, there are still many people who do not respond adequately or who suffer troublesome adverse effects.
We know that there can be a variety of factors which lead some people to experience depression or mania, for example, stressful life events, or a vulnerability which runs in the family. Our research team, based jointly at Birmingham University and Cardiff University, is conducting research to examine more closely the factors which contribute to mood disorders. These may include biological factors, such as a genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors, for example stressful life events. Such research, aimed at improving our understanding of mood disorders, will facilitate future advances in the prevention and treatment of these debilitating illnesses.
The Mood Disorders Research Group (led by Dr Lisa Jones in Birmingham and Professor Nick Craddock in Cardiff) produce an annual newsletter with the aim of providing updated information about our work to everyone who has so generously given up their time to participate in our studies. A copy of our most recent newsletter can be viewed using the link below:
Click this link to the Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) website.
Our research at Birmingham University is funded by the Wellcome Trust and is undertaken in close collaboration with our colleagues at Cardiff University (led by Professor Nick Craddock). Members of our team are based in both centres. The team in Birmingham comprises:
Over 2000 people have already participated in our Bipolar Disorder Study and it is now the largest such study anywhere in the world. We are, however, still looking for more volunteers to help us with our research - every additional person who helps will bring the possibility of much-needed scientific advances nearer.
If you suffer with bipolar disorder and want to help, please call 0121 301 2361 or email moodresearch@contacts.bham.ac.uk
We are studying the relationship between psychosis and mood disorder. This will improve diagnosis and help us to understand more about the aetiology of these illnesses. We are looking for individuals who may have received varying diagnoses of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (or schizoaffective disorder) at some time during their illness.
If this applies to you and you want to help, please call 0121 301 2361 or email moodresearch@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Childbirth often triggers a severe episode of illness in a woman with bipolar disorder (this may be called “puerperal psychosis” or “postpartum psychosis”). We are investigating the strong link between mood disorder and childbirth. We are keen to hear from women with bipolar disorder who have experienced episodes of mood disorder in relation to childbirth.
If this applies to you and you want to help, please call 0121 301 2361 or email moodresearch@contacts.bham.ac.uk
If you would like to find out more about our research and discuss possibly participating in this study, please contact us. We will be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact:
Miss Bethan Flynn
Mood Disorders Research Co-ordinator
University of Birmingham
National Centre for Mental Health
25 Vincent Drive
Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2FG, UK
Tel: +44 (0)121 301 2361
Departmental Fax: +44 (0)121 301 2351
Email: moodresearch@contacts.bham.ac.uk
