Subclinical levels of hypomania (those that do not meet the clinical threshold for diagnosis) include elevated mood, irritability and increased energy. These symptoms are fairly common in young people with up to 10% categorized as being at high risk of bipolar disorder based on the number, duration and negative impact of such symptoms. In this talk Dr Hosang will present her work examining the psychological and functional correlates (e.g., life satisfaction) and outcomes (e.g., psychiatric disorders) of subclinical hypomania in young people and how they relate to bipolar disorder. Her research also considers the early risk factors of subclinical hypomania and its genetic overlap with neurodevelopmental (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and psychiatric conditions.
Dr Georgina Hosang is a Reader (Associate Professor) at the Centre for Psychiatry and Mental Health at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London. Dr Hosang’s interdisciplinary research explores the impact of stress (childhood trauma and stressful life events) on the development and course of bipolar disorder, other mental and physical illnesses across the life span. She has a particular interest in the developmental pathway from youth hypomania to bipolar disorder using twin data. Dr Hosang have received several international awards in recognition of her research contribution and impact in the bipolar disorder field.