Sleep and circadian rhythms phenotyping in high-risk bipolar offspring

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder with peak age of onset between 15 and 25 years. In clinical practice it takes over a decade from initial symptom presentation to accurate diagnosis, with such delays being linked to a range of adverse consequences. Therefore, finding early markers of vulnerability is essential. Familial history (i.e. having a first degree relative with BD) is currently the strongest predictor of later development of BD, with sleep and circadian disruptions being the most well replicated markers of vulnerability in this population. Evidence suggests that children of a bipolar parent who are poor sleepers are twice more likely to be later diagnosed with BD later compared to children of a bipolar parent who are god sleepers. Our proposed research aims to comprehensively profile, via objective and subjective measures, the sleep and circadian disruptions in high-risk offspring who are currently within the ages of 15-25. The findings of this work could aid the accurate identification of BD risk factors and inform the development of targeted early interventions for at-risk individuals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anne Duffy

Student:

Partner:

University of Oxford

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Queen's University

Program: