Testing a New Gold Nanoparticle-Based Lithium Delivery Method for Bipolar Disorder in Laboratory Models (GLAD)

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria for patients

• Age: 18-65 years.
• Diagnosis of Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder, according to DSM-5 criteria.
• Currently in a depressive, manic, hypomanic, mixed, or euthymic phase, as defined by DSM-5 and clinical evaluation.
• No use of psychotropic medications during the 12 months preceding enrollment, except for low-dose benzodiazepines or antipsychotics used intermittently to manage sleep disturbances or anxiety symptoms.
• No prior treatment with lithium at any point in the patient's psychiatric history.
• Medically stable and deemed suitable for study participation.
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent before any study procedure For the Human Healthy Control group
• participants aged 18-65 years will be included, while subjects with DSM-5 disorders or a family history of psychiatric disorders will be excluded.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or borderline personality disorder as the primary psychiatric condition.
• Diagnosis of moderate to severe substance use disorder (excluding nicotine) within the past 12 months.
• Active suicidal ideation with plan or intent
• History of major neurological disorders, including epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative disease.
• Previous exposure to lithium at any point in the individual's psychiatric history.
• Use of psychotropic medication within the 12 months before enrollment.
• Presence of uncontrolled or clinically significant medical conditions, including but not limited to severe hepatic, renal, or cardiovascular disease.