Development of a bipolar disorder biobank: differential phenotyping for subsequent biomarker analyses.

Background: We aimed to establish a bipolar disorder biobank to serve as a resource for clinical and biomarker studies of disease risk and treatment response. Here, we describe the aims, design, infrastructure, and research uses of the biobank, along with demographics and clinical features of the first participants enrolled.

Methods: Patients were recruited for the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Biobank beginning in July 2009.

Clinical risk factors and serotonin transporter gene variants associated with antidepressant-induced mania.

Introduction: Identifying clinical and genetic risk factors associated with antidepressant-induced mania (AIM) may improve individualized treatment strategies for bipolar depression.

Method: From 2009 to 2012, bipolar depressed patients, confirmed by DSM-IV-TR-structured interview, were screened for AIM. An AIM+ case was defined as a manic/hypomanic episode within 60 days of starting or changing dose of antidepressant, while an AIM- control was defined as an adequate (≥ 60 days) exposure to an antidepressant with no associated manic/hypomanic episode.

Serial infusions of low-dose ketamine for major depression.

Background: Single infusions of ketamine have been used successfully to achieve improvement in depressed patients. Side effects during the infusions have been common. It is not known whether serial infusions or lower infusion rates result in greater efficacy.