Genetic factors play a big role in determining who is at risk for bipolar disorder, and new genetic-based clinical tools are being developed to more quickly screen patients and accurately predict which treatments are most likely to work for certain individuals.
“By identifying susceptible individuals, we can implement preventive strategies before the onset of symptoms.”
Dr. Rudolf Uher, Canada Research Chair in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, Dalhousie University
Also READ INTERVIEW with Dr. Alda: On the path to understanding bipolar disorder.
“With the right genetic screening tools, we can more accurately predict which treatments are most likely to work for certain individuals, allowing us to prescribe the right treatment more quickly.”
Dr. Martin Alda, Chair in Mood Disorders, Dalhousie University
Mental health project explores the DNA of bipolar disorder
February 2019
HALIFAX, NS – A team of Nova Scotia mental health researchers are set to explore the genetic factors that play a role in bipolar disorder (BD). Led by Dr. Martin Alda and Dr. Rudolf Uher, the three-year, $975,000 research project could lead to new clinical tools to better diagnose and treat this disorder.
Early detection of bipolar disorder and optimized selection of long-term treatment will take a personalized medicine approach, using genomics to develop new screening tools for early detection and identify optimal long-term treatment for individual patients.
Ultimately, Drs. Alda and Uher hope to engage clinicians and patients in the personalized management of BD, based on new treatment guidelines informed by this work.
Genome Atlantic gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through Genome Canada, as well as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the provincial governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Genome Atlantic is one of 7 Genome Centres in Canada that are part of the Genome Canada Enterprise. This network encourages collaboration, with each centre focusing on the needs of their respective regions.
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WE FOCUS ON CLIENT LED SOLUTIONS.
BRING US AND IDEA AND WE’LL HELP YOU GET IT INTO ACTION.
WE FOCUS ON CLIENT LED SOLUTIONS.
BRING US AND IDEA AND WE’LL HELP YOU GET IT INTO ACTION.
