Paid Bipolar Disorder Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are investigating if gabapentin can reduce substance use, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in individuals with Bipolar Disorder who smoke marijuana. Join our study today!
Conducted in Charleston, SC
Compensation up to $400
18 - 65 Years Old
Bipolar Disorder OR Schizoaffective Disorder
Fast Facts
Smokes Marijuana
Study Background
Living with Bipolar Disorder? Our researchers want to help find better treatments for BD + Cannabis Use Disorder.
Compared to the general population, people with BD are 8 times more likely to have cannabis use disorder, possibly because of attempts to self-medicate symptoms between mood episodes. However, BD and CUD together are associated with more frequent mood cycling, more intense symptoms, and poorer response to medications.
The goal of this study is to find out whether gabapentin could provide symptom relief and reduce cannabis use by normalizing GABA in the brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Participation in this study could help improve quality of life for individuals with BD+CUD. Further research and join our study today!
Compared to the general population, people with BD are 8 times more likely to have cannabis use disorder, possibly because of attempts to self-medicate symptoms between mood episodes. However, BD and CUD together are associated with more frequent mood cycling, more intense symptoms, and poorer response to medications.
The goal of this study is to find out whether gabapentin could provide symptom relief and reduce cannabis use by normalizing GABA in the brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Participation in this study could help improve quality of life for individuals with BD+CUD. Further research and join our study today!
Study Background Living with Bipolar Disorder? Our researchers want to help find better treatments for BD + Cannabis Use Disorder. Compared to the general population, people with BD are 8 times more likely to have cannabis use disorder, possibly because of attempts to self-medicate symptoms between mood episodes. However, BD and CUD together are associated with more frequent mood cycling, more intense symptoms, and poorer response to medications. The goal of this study is to find out whether gabapentin could provide symptom relief and reduce cannabis use by normalizing GABA in the brain, which helps stabilize mood. Participation in this study could help improve quality of life for individuals with BD+CUD. Further research and join our study today! |
Additional Information
The goal of this study is to observe the effect of gabapentin on brain GABA levels in individuals with bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with Bipolar I or II Disorder OR Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type
- 18-65 Years Old
- Smoked marijuana more days than not in the past month
- No other substance use disorders
- No uncontrolled medical or neurological conditions
- Prescribed 1 or more mood-stabilizing medications
- Eligible for an MRI (no non-removable metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
Participation involves 5 visits.
Visit 1: Baseline Assessment
Visit 1: Baseline Assessment
- A screening visit to determine eligibility, sign paperwork, and perform assessments
- Medical history, physical exam, and blood and urine tests
- Abstain from drugs & alcohol 12 hours prior to visit
- Complete questionnaires & assessments
- Blood & urine samples
- Perform computer tasks while having an MRI brain scan (75-90 minutes, no radiation)
- Receive and start wearing a watch that tracks your activity
- Receive the medication and instructions for taking it
- Assessments of mood symptoms & substance use
- Receive medication and instructions
- You will take this medication 3 times per day for 17 days
- Abstain from drugs & alcohol 12 hours prior to visit
- Take the last dose of medication 1 hour prior to MRI
- Complete questionnaires & assessments
- Blood & urine samples
- Perform computer tasks while having an MRI brain scan (75-90 minutes, no radiation)
- Discuss adverse events, substance use, and mood symptoms since stopping the medication
- Treatment referrals will be offered to you by clinically-trained staff
Compensation up to $400 is provided for your time.
There is no cost for you to participate in this study.
If you have any questions, please email us at bipolardisorder@musc.edu or call Sara at (843) 792-7500.