Natalie Neubecker
Research Mentor(s): Sarah Sperry
Mentor Department: Psychiatry
Authors: Natalie Neubecker, Julia Smith, Sarah Sperry
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 36
Abstract
Background: Individuals who have bipolar disorder (BD) often experience increased impulsivity during states of high emotion, which can lead to rash and harmful decisions. The Emotion-based Impulsivity in Bipolar Disorder (EBI-BD) study aims to explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind this impulsivity and its relationship to real life contextual factors. Methods: The research contains both lab-based and field-based components. Participants first undergo an electroencephalogram (EEG) while completing a task that measures response inhibition in response to emotion versus neutral faces. Then, over the course of 28 days, participants complete questionnaires on their smartphone as they go about their daily life. Results: This study is currently ongoing, with data collected from 29 participants with BD, 22 with subclinical BD, and 33 individuals with no previous psychiatric diagnoses. The intention is 40 participants in each group. This poster aims to illustrate how the event-related potential (ERP) data from EEG collected as of yet (n = 84) in the EBI-BD study reflects differences in brain function among those with BD, those with subclinical BD, and healthy controls. Preliminary data from 84 participants shows higher impulsivity in those with BD compared to healthy controls, as well as distinct differences in ERP patterns. Conclusions: This research aims to benefit those on the bipolar spectrum by advancing scientific knowledge of a significant challenge associated with bipolar disorder–impulsivity.
