Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Bipolar Disorder (BD), a mental disorder characterized by severe mood swings, is emerging as a pressing concern among Iranian women, a group that has reported a rise in BD diagnosis and related suicidal tendencies. This concern is particularly heightened due to the consistent social and cultural stressors women often encounter in Iran. These pressures, tied to societal rules and anticipations, may make dealing with BD even trickier. While Canada prides itself on an inclusive healthcare system, there's a gap in addressing the distinct mental health challenges of this community. Our research aims to bridge this gap. Our study seeks to decode the genetic blueprints that might explain why certain individuals are more prone to BD and its high-risk behaviours like suicide. We are investigating this problem using a two-pronged approach. Firstly, we are looking into stress-related genes across the nuclear genome and also across our stress-responder organelles' DNA, the mitochondrial DNA. Secondly, we're using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge technology helps us analyze the vast amounts of genetic data to pinpoint the crucial genetic factors involved. Instead of a generic one-size-fits-all approach, our insights could pave the way for personalized medicine strategies that consider each individual's unique genetic profile. This tailored approach can specifically target BD susceptibility, associated suicidality, and medication responsiveness. This knowledge could potentially be translated enhancing preventive measures and improving the overall well-being of affected individuals. While our immediate focus is on Iranian women, the implications of our findings are far-reaching. By understanding BD's genetic underpinnings better, especially in a specific demographic, we might pave the way for more personalized strategies, potentially benefiting many more beyond the confines of our immediate study group.