Recent research in bipolar disorder has been geared towards using neuroscience tools to develop an understanding of how symptoms emerge and continue, and how treatment might alleviate symptoms and promote healthy brain development. While our goal has been to treat behavioral and emotional difficulties as soon as they arise, there are many opportunities for implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies across the lifespan. This presentation considers the promise and challenges of implementing current treatments in synergy with neuroscience tools to develop early, personalized, and lasting interventions for individuals living with bipolar disorder. The presentation considers the importance of leveraging technology, measurement-based care, and measuring mechanisms of change while understanding and harnessing placebo responses to accelerate translation toward more accessible, acceptable, and effective treatments.
Dr. Singh is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and leads a research program aimed to accelerate understanding and treatment in individuals with or at high risk for developing bipolar disorder. Her research examines mechanisms underlying the development and treatment of a spectrum of mood disorders as well as adaptation to stress. She applies cutting edge research strategies to pursue novel therapeutic targets like innovations in trial design, directly modulating the brain using transcranial magnetic stimulation, and examining responses to real time neurofeedback. She is also investigating the efficacy and safety of existing pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for youth with and at risk for bipolar disorder, such as antidepressants, family focused psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation, to reduce mood symptoms and family stress.