How the Developing Brain Can Help Us Understand Bipolar Disorder – A Scientist’s View

Posted: February 1, 2012

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NARSAD Young Investigator Grantee Katrina C. Johnson, Ph.D. presented the ‘Taking Strides Against Mental Illness’ Lecture in October at the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Mental Health Research Symposium in New York City. In the lecture, Dr. Johnson talks about her research at Emory University, where she researches infant brain activity to better understand bipolar disorder. Dr. Johnson studies infant emotion regulation strategies – emotional responses that may or may not fall within the conventionally accepted range of emotive response. She then seeks to identify how these responses may relate to bipolar disorder, with the goal of gaining more understanding of the underlying brain mechanisms involved in bipolar disorder for people of all ages.



Harryet and Stuart Ehrlich are determined to help bring about a future in which people like their daughter Rebecca Ehrlich  do not spend a lifetime struggling with the devastating symptoms of bipolar disorder. Each year, the Ehrlichs lead a benefit walk called ‘Taking Strides Against Mental Illness’. The proceeds go to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. They also participate in the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Research Partners Program and the Lecture Sponsor Program. The ‘Taking Strides Against Mental Illness’ Lecture’ is presented annually by a NARSAD Grantee.

Taking Strides Against Mental Illness’ Lecture
Using Infant Brain Activity to Better Understand Bipolar Disorder
Katrina C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Emory University