Researchers appealing for 5,000 Aussie volunteers for world’s largest genetic bipolar disorder investigation

Australian researchers are seeking 5,000 adults who have been treated for bipolar disorder to volunteer for the world’s largest genetic investigation into the chronic illness that can prove devastating1.

The Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study aims to identify the genes that predispose people to bipolar disorder in order to develop more effective, personalised treatments, and ultimately, find a cure for the illness1.

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR Berghofer) is the base for the Australian arm of the international study, with collaborating centres throughout North America and Europe1. The study aims to recruit 100,000 participants, with Australian researchers hoping to contribute 5 per cent of the overall study population1.

Approximately one in 50 Australians (1.8 per cent) will experience bipolar disorder during their lifetime2. The complex disorder, which occurs commonly in families, typically results from a combination of genetic and environmental influences2. Those living with bipolar disorder may be at higher risk of developing other health issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity2. They also carry a 15 times greater risk of suicide than the general population, accounting for up to 25 per cent of all suicides2.

According to Professor Nick Martin, Australian study co-Investigator and Head of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, researchers are seeking 5,000 male and female Australian volunteers aged 18 and older, who are currently, or have been treated in the past for bipolar disorder. Their involvement will allow researchers to shed light on the genes that predispose people to the illness to ultimately develop more personalised treatments.

“There is a strong link between genetics and bipolar disorder. The human genome contains around 20,000 genes3. Although we do not yet know all the genes that influence bipolar, what we do know is how to identify them. We just need a large enough study, performed in the right way, to identify these genes”.
Globally, about one in fifty of the population experiences bipolar disorder during their lifetime4. In Australia, it is estimated that 1.8 per cent of males and 1.7 per cent of females have experienced bipolar disorder in the previous 12 months5.

“Australian research has shown that from the average age of symptom onset (17.5 years), there is a delay of approximately 12.5 years before a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made6,” said Prof Sarah Medland, Lead Investigator and Head of the Psychiatric Genetics Group, QIMR Berghofer.

“The aim of this study is to increase the number of known genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder, with the aim of being able to develop a risk score that could be used to assess if someone is at risk of going on to develop the illness when they first experience depression or mania. Being able to assess this, and potentially intervene at the first presentation, would have a dramatic effect on the lives of individuals affected by bipolar disorder and their families”.

According to Prof Ian Hickie, AM, study co-Investigator and Co-Director for Health and Policy at Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, “Participation in the study is free and simple – volunteers complete a 20-minute online survey, and those who qualify will be asked to donate a saliva sample1.

“Identification of the genes that predispose people to bipolar disorder will revolutionise future research into the causes, treatment and prevention of the illness1”.

Study researchers will analyse DNA from saliva samples to identify specific genes associated with bipolar disorder1. The knowledge will be used to improve current, and develop new treatments for bipolar disorder1.

To volunteer for the Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study, head to www.geneticsofbipolar.org.au, email gbp@qimrberghofer.edu.au or call 1800 257 179.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition, which results in strong changes in mood and energy levels2. Individuals with bipolar disorder (formerly known as “manic depression”) can have depressive, and manic or hypomanic episodes, that can last a week or more, affecting their thoughts and behaviour2. The illness requires long-term management, and can severely affect an individual’s ability to function in their daily lives3.

Bipolar disorder is the ninth leading contributor to the burden of disease and injury in Australia among females aged 15-24 years, and the 10th leading contributor for males of the same age7.

While the exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, factors believed to play a role in the development of the illness and its onset include genetic factors (which account for approximately 70 per cent of the risk); abnormal neurotransmitter chemistry in the brain; environmental factors, including stressful life events and seasonal factors; certain medication and illicit substances8.

Study participation

Study participation is strictly confidential. After completing the online survey, participants may be asked to donate a saliva sample, from which researchers can extract their DNA to identify specific genes associated with bipolar disorder1. QIMR Berghofer researchers will send a saliva collection kit together with a pre-paid return envelope to selected participants1. QIMR Berghofer will biobank DNA from saliva samples for immediate and future genetic analysis under strict confidentiality, in accordance with the Commonwealth Privacy and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines1.