Early mental health screening for children of parents with bipolar disorder

This research is testing a new way to screen young people (ages 7-21) for early signs of mental health challenges when they have a biological parent with bipolar disorder. The study is creating an educational video and screening tools to help parents and caregivers identify mental health risks in their children before serious symptoms develop. Because children of parents with bipolar disorder have a higher chance of developing the condition themselves, early identification could lead to support and treatment much sooner.

Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed 11-17 years after symptoms first appear, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and increased suicide risk. Since children with a parent who has bipolar disorder face a 15-30% chance of developing it themselves, there is a critical opportunity to catch warning signs early—but currently no standard way for families to screen for these risks.