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Ivy F. Tso, Ph.D., hopes to identify a diagnostic biomarker of bipolar disorder by studying electrical brain signals through a project to be supported with a 2020 Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Scholar Award of $50,000 per year, over the next two years. “Electrophysiological Signature of Affective Response Inhibition in Bipolar Disorder: Development of a Biomarker” uses electroencephalography (EEG) to study brain signals to uncover biological mechanisms of bipolar disorder and guide the development of novel treatment. This research is based on a graduate school pilot study she conducted in collaboration with Drs. Patricia Deldin and Melvin McInnis and the Prechter Bipolar Research Program team which identified distinctive brain wave patterns on the scalps of bipolar patients when measured by EEG. They found they were able to differentiate the patterns of brain waves of those with bipolar disorder from those with other psychiatric disorders or from psychiatrically healthy people. This suggests that electrical brain signals carry unique disease-related information that could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for bipolar disorder. Because EEG is much more cost-effective than other types of brain scans like MRIs, this research could be readily applied in outpatient clinical settings. Dr. Tso’s Eisenberg award will allow her to improve the accuracy of these earlier findings and prove this approach is reliable over time.

Dr. Tso is an assistant professor of psychiatry in the Medical School and an adjunct assistant professor of psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and completed her postdoctoral psychiatry fellowship at U-M. Her general research is in the areas of psychopathology and affective neuroscience with a current focus on the psychological and brain mechanisms of social information processing in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She uses behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuromodulation methods in her studies. Ultimately, she hopes to develop novel cognitive training and brain stimulation interventions to improve functional outcomes in patients. Dr. Tso is a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical and training director of the Program for Risk Evaluation and Prevention for youth with early signs of psychosis and serious mental illnesses. She is actively involved in the clinical care of patients, training and supervision of practicum students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical staff, and educational outreach in the community.

The Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Scholar Awards aim to expand the number of innovative research projects focused on understanding causes of depression and develop personalized, precise treatments that target each individual's unique profile. The Eisenbergs attended the University of Michigan and are active volunteers and generous supporters across many areas including the Depression Center, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the School of Education, the School of Social Work, the Taubman Medical Research Institute, the University Musical Society and the Athletic Department. Kenneth Eisenberg has served as chairman and CEO of Kenwal Steel Corporation since the 1960s.

Visit the Tso lab website.