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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Amish Mennonite Bipolar Genetics Study (AmBiGen)

Bipolar affective disorder is a severe, heritable condition affecting about one percent of the population. The mode of inheritance is poorly understood and probably involves multiple loci of small to moderate effect. In this project, we use genetic mapping and sequencing methods to identify genetic markers and variations that contribute to the risk of bipolar disorder. Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder are studied, along with their relatives. Phenotypic information obtained from clinical interviews and family history is correlated with genotypic information obtained from genetic marker and sequencing methods. The goal is to identify genes involved in bipolar disorder and related conditions so that better methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention can be developed.