Hypomania, Amphetamine, and Preferences for Sweets

Detailed Summary

Young adults who exhibit "bipolar phenotype" (BPP), defined as occasional episodes of mood elevation and heightened activity, are at risk for several psychiatric disorders, including problem use of drugs and alcohol. Mood elevation has been linked to higher alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders. Individuals with BPP show elevated lifetime prevalence of alcohol use disorders (between 39%-61%), figures that exceed those reported in both major depression and schizophrenia. Recently, the investigators demonstrated in a controlled laboratory study that individuals with BPP (but not meeting criteria for full Bipolar I Disorder), report dampened responses to a single dose of alcohol, compared to placebo. In the current study, the investigators seek to extend these findings to determine if young adults reporting BPP, based on a questionnaire, will exhibit reduced responses to other rewarding stimuli, such as d-amphetamine and sweet tastes. The investigators hypothesize that the BPP individuals will exhibit dampened subjective responses to stimulant and sweet taste rewards compared to healthy controls.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions