Brain scans and booze: new study seeks to unravel Bipolar-Alcohol link

NCT ID NCT05838274

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at why young adults with bipolar disorder are much more likely to develop alcohol use disorders. Researchers will give participants alcohol or a placebo and use brain scans to track changes over two years. The goal is to find early warning signs that could lead to better prevention strategies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Alcohol (administered as a beverage)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could identify early brain and behavioral markers that predict alcohol problems in young adults with bipolar disorder, guiding future prevention efforts.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It is small (100 participants) and early-stage, so findings may not apply broadly or lead directly to interventions.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Alcohol Drinking bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL DRINKING ALCOHOL USE DISORDER BIPOLAR DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Texas at Austin
RECRUITING

Austin, Texas, 78712, United States

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