Advancing biomarker research: utilizing ‘Big Data’ approaches for the characterization and prevention of bipolar disorder

Abstract

Advances in bioinformatics using a 'Big Data' approach provide an opportunity for novel insights regarding the pathoetiology of BD. The coordinated integration of research centers, inclusive of mixed-age populations, is a promising strategic direction for advancing this line of neuropsychiatric research.

Challenges and developments in research of the early stages of bipolar disorder

“…92,98,99 Another challenge in predicting outcomes is the need to develop and apply big-data bioinformatics platforms to analyze and integrate the volume of data available from large samples, multiple samples, and international multicenter studies. 100 Bioinformatics tools allied to system biology paradigms may support more robust discoveries on the early stages of BD than any single approach on its own. 101 Despite gaps in our knowledge, it is still vital to raise awareness among mental health professionals of the need for more timely and accurate diagnosis of BD, so as to enable recognition of the putative prodromes of BD as early as possible and, consequently, to minimize the use of antidepressant or psychostimulant monotherapies in at-risk individuals.…”

Internet-based psychological interventions for bipolar disorder: Review of the present and insights into the future

“…This kind of information through a process of data mining could finally lead us to the next generation of mental health care offering accurate preventive and prediction models and highly personalized pharmacological and psychological treatments to improve bipolar patients' outcome. Simultaneously, throughout this process, all the information collected could lead to further improve and personalize internet-based interventions (Krumholz, 2014;McIntyre et al, 2014). (Fig.…”

Is There Validity to the Bipolar Prodrome?

“…This may require sample sizes on the order of Big Data and a bioinformatics approach that integrates complex data from symptom, family, and biological assessments across the bipolar neurodevelopmental trajectory. 18 This will certainly mitigate the problem of insufficient sampling to facilitate more accurate characterization and staging of bipolar disorder. 19 Research efforts should be aimed to refine our phenotypic and neurobiological understanding of the bipolar prodrome.…”