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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Parental relationships and behavioral approach system dysregulation in young adults with bipolar disorder
Anjana Muralidharan1, Raymond J Kotwicki, Colleen Cowperthwait
1Emory University.
Objectives:
Expressed emotion (EE), or the presence of criticism/hostility/emotional overinvolvement in a family relationship, predicts poorer outcomes in bipolar disorder; however, the mechanism of this is unclear. The present study investigated whether, in a sample of young adults (aged 18-40 years) with bipolar disorder, parental criticism was associated with Behavioral Approach System (BAS) dysregulation, including emotional reactivity to negative feedback and cognitive schemas of self-criticism/perfectionism.
Method:
Twenty-two young adults with bipolar I disorder and 22 matched control participants completed an interview, questionnaires, and a computer-based task with false negative feedback; emotional reactivity to this feedback was assessed.
Results:
Compared to control participants, clinical participants exhibited higher levels (p = 0.001) of self-criticism, and a trend towards a greater decrease in positive affect after negative feedback (p = 0.053), even when controlling for mood symptoms. Among clinical participants, perceived criticism from paternal caregivers was associated with self-criticism and perfectionism, and low perceived paternal care was associated with decrease in positive affect.
Conclusion:
Strain in parental relationships may be associated with BAS dysregulation for individuals with bipolar disorder.
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