Research Studies

Research Study Information

Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?

The Health Research Board funded study (listed page 31 here) led by Dr Cannon is currently open to study the brain in Bipolar Disorder. In this study we use an MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) which gives us information about the brain. This study will help us to better understand the how people process emotion in the brain and whether this is different in people with bipolar disorder.

If you want to know if you might be eligible and to find out more about what is involved please give us a call (091 495465)

What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is a scan that uses magnets to create an image of the inside of the body. It uses magnets so you should should not have one if you have metal implants in soft tissues such as a pacemaker. Surgical implants that are made of titantium are fine. If you have had surgery we can use any implan tpart number to determine whether it is safe for you to have an MRI. It is also not advised to agree to this if you are claustrophobic.

Why do an MRI for a research study?
This scan will allow us to measure the size of brain regions and determine how connected various brain regions are. Theories about how the brain processes emotion currently show that certain regions are more or less connected in Bipolar Disorsder relative to individuals with no psychiatric illness.‌‌