Our Research Our research employs state-of-the-art technologies, including: Next-Generation Sequencing : For identifying genetic variations associated with mental health disorders. Linkage and Association Studies : To find correlations between genetic markers and psychiatric conditions. Molecular Psychiatry : Investigating biomarkers and molecular pathways to develop targeted treatments. ​ Neurogenetics : Studying the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to neurological and psychiatric diseases List of Projects PARAM ABIGNET ENIGMA GenECT cVEDA DBT/Wellcome Trust IOG MQ DST-INSPIRE IBRO/Dana DNA Seq Post-mortem Brains Epigenetics SKAN PARAM The PARAM (Pathways to Resilience and Mental Health) project aims to understand how genetic and environmental factors influence brain development and mental health. Researchers will track brain development from the second trimester of pregnancy (-6 months) to 30 years of age, mapping the timeline for psychological and emotional abilities. With a sample size of over 10,000 participants, the study seeks to identify deviations in brain development that may increase vulnerability to brain disorders. Principal Investigator: Dr. Vivek Benegal Investigator(s): Dr.Eesha Sharma, Dr Bharath Holla, Dr Meera Purushottam, Dr.Meera S S, Dr.Jayant Mahadevan, Dr.Kuppan Gokula Krishnan, Dr Srinivas Bharath Supported By: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ABIGNET The Asian Bipolar Genetics Network (A-BIG-NET) is a study to understand the genetics of bipolar disorder in Asian populations. The project is recruiting participants from South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, India, and Pakistan, with the goal of analyzing DNA from 27,500 individuals with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 (BP-I) and 16,000 without it. Utilizing data from 15,000 cases and 14,000 controls, this research aims to enhance the understanding of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, ultimately contributing to global mental health research and promoting healthcare equity. Principal Investigator: Dr Biju Viswanath (Indian cohort) Supported By: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA Collaborators: Broad Institute, National Taiwan University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Johns Hopkins University ENIGMA The 'India ENIGMA Initiative for Global Aging and Mental Health' at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, with USC, aims to study brain aging biomarkers and dementia risk factors. It assesses healthy elders, Alzheimer’s patients, and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) cases for psychosocial factors and biomarkers like genetics and brain imaging over two years. Using 'brain age' from MRI scans, it examines accelerated brain aging in dementia. The study seeks insights for preventive and treatment strategies for dementia in India Principal Investigator: Dr. Vivek Benegal Investigator(s): Dr John P John, Dr Venkatasubramanian Ganesan, Dr P. T. Sivakumar Dr. Y. C. Janardhan Reddy, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Dr. Mathew Varghese, Dr. Vivek Benegal, Dr. Kandavel Thennarasu, Dr. Jitender Saini, Dr. Anish V. Cherian, Dr. Meera Purushottam, Dr. Preeti Sinha, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr. Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi, Dr. Ravikesh Tripathi, Dr. Gokula Krishnan, Dr Reeteka Sud Supported By: National Institute of Aging (NIA), USA of the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA Collaborators: University of South California (USC), USA GenECT This study aims to investigate severe mood disorders and their response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by collecting genetic material from individuals undergoing ECT treatment. Collaborating with the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC), the research will identify genetic factors associated with severe mood disorders and predict patient response to ECT. The goal is to understand the unique genetic makeup of these disorders and develop more effective treatment strategies. Conducted at Johns Hopkins ECT centers in collaboration with PGC worldwide, the study leverages clinical data to minimize patient and provider burden. Principal Investigator: Dr Biju Viswanath Investigator(s): Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Dr. Jagadisha Thirthalli Dr. Naren P Rao, Dr. Meera Purushottam, Dr. Reeteka Sud Supported By: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA cVEDA The Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (c-VEDA) project aims to understand how environmental and genetic factors in developed and developing countries influence brain function and behavior related to substance misuse and externalizing disorders. Through collaboration with Indian partners, the project will compare data from European and UK studies with Indian cohorts to identify risk factors and neurobehavioral trajectories for mental health research.The studies include mental health checks and genetic testing and also looks at brain scans and genes, aiming to understand how culture influences behavior and brain development. Principal Investigator: Dr Vivek Benegal, Dr Eesha Sharma, Dr Bharath Holla, Dr Meera Purushottam Supported By: Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Newton Grant from the Medical Research Council (MRC), United Kingdom Collaborators: Professor Gunter Schumann, King’s College London, UK SKAN: Effect of antipsychotics on the gut microbiome This project aims to assess any changes in the microbiome starting from the hospital admission till acute antipsychotic therapy administered as part of standard medical procedure. This will be useful to tackle bothersome side-effects of antipsychotics through simple interventions. Principal Investigator: Dr Sanjeev Jain, Dr Meera Purushottam Investigators: Prof YC Janardhan Reddy, Prof Mathew Varghese, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr Suvarna Alladi, Prof PT Sivakumar, Prof Preeti Sinha, Dr Faheem Arshad SKAN: Genetics of bipolar disorder and related illnesses: a study of intermediate alleles in candidate genes with repeat expansion loci This study aims to assess the repeat size of simple repeat sequences at SCA1, 2, and 3, HTT, DRPLA, and C9ORF loci in severe mental illness (bipolar disorder) and compare them with controls. The need for this study arises from the possibility that severe mental illnesses like bipolar disorder may be part of an underlying neurodegenerative syndrome. By examining the frequency of intermediate and higher normal alleles at these loci, the study will provide insights into their prevalence and association with neuropsychiatric illness in our population. Principal Investigator: Dr Meera Purushottam Investigators: Dr Sanjeev Jain, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr Ajit Dahale Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of lithium response in patients with bipolar disorder This study aims to investigate the unique aspects of bipolar disorder in Indian patients, focusing on symptoms and response to lithium treatment. Research correlations between mania prevalence, lithium response, and side effects like hypothyroidism and kidney disease. They also explore genetic risk assessment to predict lithium response and study brain development processes in non-responders to lithium treatment. Principal Investigator: Dr. Biju Viswanath Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Venkatasubramanian Ganesan Supported By: DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance An informal, safe and supportive outreach approach to bridge the Mental Health Gap in India This project aims to bridge gaps by fostering safe, informal outreach about mental illnesses. The objective is to facilitate interactions among scientists, patients, caregivers, and clinicians through different activities. These include a mental health interview series (available digitally), outreach and public engagement events, competition and e-books & resources on mental health disorders. Principal Investigator: Dr Reeteka Sud, Dr Biju Viswanath Supported by: IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant Collaborators: Project Encephalon, Sangath India, BipolarIndia Genetic and environmental determinants of treatment emergent metabolic abnormalities in schizophrenia This study aims to explore how genetic and environmental factors affect metabolic side effects in schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics (risperidone or olanzapine). It looks at whether genetic risk scores for metabolic conditions can predict these side effects and how factors like age, sex, illness severity, medication, and lifestyle influence this relationship. The study also examines differences in these effects among different ancestries, especially in South Asian populations using the CLOZUK sample. Principal Investigator: Dr Suhas Ganesh Investigator(s): Dr Jagadisha Thirthalli, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr Venkatsubramanian G, Dr Meera Purushottam Supported By: MQ - Transforming Mental Health, UK Collaborators: Dr Nishant Goyal (Central Institute of Psychiatry, India), Dr Basudeb Das (Central Institute of Psychiatry, India), Dr Naomi Wray (University of Queensland, Australia), Dr Patrick Sullivan (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US), Dr James Walters (Cardiff University, UK) Investigating the immune dynamics of autism spectrum disorders The proposed project aims to enable the initiation of molecular research in neuro-immuno-genetics. The goal is to help identify molecular markers of inflammation in patients with autism spectrum disorders, which may lead to a prospective diagnostic tool Principal Investigator: Dr Ashitha S N M Supported by: DST-INSPIRE Faculty Grant Scheme Coffee, Cinema and Community: Redefining Mental Health A project to host city-wide science cafe events and movie screenings, and provide translated educational resources (in Hindi and Kannada) discussing mental health across Bangalore, India. Principal Investigator: Dr Reeteka Sud Co-Investigator(s): Dr Biju Viswanath, Anushka Banerjee, Kadambari Patil Supported by: IBRO/Dana Foundation Brain Awareness Week Grant Collaborators: Dr KS Meena Iyer (Mental Health Education Department, NIMHANS), Dr Ranjana Sarma (Centre for Brain and Mind - NCBS Sequencing of archived DNA: A Neurodegenerative study The project will involve performing whole exome sequencing of DNA samples of patients diagnosed with cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs/SCAs), neurodegenerative diseases, including early onset Parkinson's disease (PD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in the Indian population. The study aims to identify predictive genetic and molecular markers for early detection of these neurodegenerative disorders, which can help improve diagnostics and identify targets for interventions and management. Principal Investigator: Dr Meera Purushottam Co-Principal Investigators: Dr Ramesh Hariharan, Dr Pramod Kumar Pal, Dr Biju Viswanath Co-Investigators: Dr Ravi Yadav, Dr Vikram Holla, Dr Nitish Kamble Post-mortem Brain Research Research focuses on genomics, transcriptomics, trinucleotide repeat analyses, and epigenetic investigations across brain regions. Epigenetic Research ​ DNA methylation levels in various psychiatric disorders( addiction, psychosis) and effect of stress and its effects are particular areas of interest. Differential expression of microRNAs upon drug exposure for example in vitro Lithium exposure to Bipolar Disorder patients derived Lymphoblastoid Cell lines (LCLs) are being investigated. Up

Genetic Testing & Genetic Counseling Services We offer comprehensive genetic testing services to diagnose and understand various neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our services include molecular diagnosis for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and spinocerebellar ataxia. By providing accurate and timely genetic information, we support clinicians in making informed decisions about patient care and personalized treatment strategies. Who Will Benefit? Individuals suspected of having specific neurological or psychiatric illnesses, as determined by their treating specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist), will benefit from our services. ​ How to Get an Appointment Appointments can be made through the GCAT clinic, which operates on Saturdays in collaboration with Neurology and other services. An initial workup, including a neurological or psychiatric evaluation, is essential to determine the necessary tests. Tests Done HD SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA12, SCA27B (SCA50) SMA DMD FRDA

Coffee, Cinema and Community: Redefining Mental Health Brain Awareness Week aims to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science through education and awareness. Our week long program, held from July 15th - 21st. 2024 included book talks, art exhibitions, film discussions and learning about the history of NIMHANS, encouraging Bengaluru residents to learn & talk about mental health and neuroscience research. ​July 15 | Tour of NIMHANS with the Director The tour offered an insightful experience, including a guided visit through various parts of NIMHANS to learn about its history and groundbreaking research, led by the Director of NIMHANS, Professor Pratima Murthy. High school students from Gopalan International School interacted with our scientists, engaged in activities and paid a visit to the renowned Brain Museum. ​July 17 | "Mindscape and Landscape: An Illustrated History of NIMHANS" by Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Emeritus Professor, NIMHANS At this insightful book talk, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, eminent psychiatrist and author, delved into the rich history of NIMHANS and provided a captivating overview of the institution's journey and its significant contributions to mental health research and care, as detailed in his book. ​July 20 | Through the Looking Glass: Artistic Perspectives on Mental Health ​Artists from all across India harnessed their artistic skills to express their feelings about mental health. Art and photographs were displayed at the Neurobiology Research Centre at NIMHANS, and visitors also got a chance to go home with postcards of the artwork. ​ You can view the artwork displayed at our exhibit on the right → (click to enlarge) Sophiya Sinha Charu Krishnaraju Vaishnavi S Naragunda Sophiya Sinha 1/51 ​July 20 | Mental Health & Movies - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly In this thought-provoking fireside chat on the representation of mental illnesses and health in movies our panellists comprising filmmakers (Vrinda Samartha, Suneel Raghavendra), mental health professionals (Dr Suhas Satish), and film bloggers (Dr Basundhara Ghosh) examined the impact of cinematic portrayals on public perception and stigma surrounding mental health issues, through a screening of clips from popular Indian films and engaging discussions with the audience. The talk was moderated by Anmol Tikoo. ​ The discussion will be available on YouTube soon. ​July 21 | Stories in Motion: Mental Wellness through Art and Narratives by Dr. Ankit Dwivedi Our participants experienced the power of storytelling in understanding mental health with Dr. Ankit Dwivedi, a professional storyteller and researcher. This interactive workshop explored the nuances of mental health using engaging storytelling and community building, helping participants gain a deeper appreciation for the human experiences behind mental health challenges. Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. This annual event unites the efforts of organisations worldwide in promoting the importance of brain health. This event was sponsored by the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) and Dana Foundation Brain Awareness Week Grant , in association with the Department of Mental Health Education, NIMHANS, Bengaluru and the Centre for Brain and Mind - National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru . We thank our venue partners, the Bangalore International Centre and AttaGalatta . Coordinators: Anushka Banerjee & Kadambari Patil | Organisers: Dr Reeteka Sud, Dr Biju Viswanath, Dr YC Janardhan Reddy, Dr Meena KS, Dr Ranjana Sarma & Shatabdi Pal | Designer: Sukriti Chordiya