Digital Resources Select & de-select type of resource Article Book Brochure Event Pages Games & Activities Infographic Video Select & de-select target audience General Public Patients and Families/Caregivers Researchers Students Information about Psychiatric Disorders Infographic Centre for Brain & Mind Brochure Brochure E-Book | Mind the Gap Book FAQ - Common Stigmas in Bipolar Disorder Video FAQ - Common Stigmas in Bipolar Disorder (Tamil) Video FAQ - Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts Video FAQ - Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts (Hindi) Video FAQ - Dementia Awareness & Public Health Initiatives Video FAQ - How to Seek Help For Addiction Video FAQ - Is Addiction A Disease? Video FAQ - Living a Healthy Life with Bipolar Disorder Video FAQ - Living a Healthy Life with Bipolar Disorder (Tamil) Video FAQ - Loneliness & Dementia Video FAQ - Suicide Awareness Video FAQ - Suicide Awareness (Hindi) Video FAQ - Supporting Dementia Caregivers Video FAQ - Supporting Dementia Patients Video FAQ - Tackling Stigma in Bipolar Disorder Video FAQ - Tackling Stigma in Bipolar Disorder (Tamil) Video FAQ - Warning Signs of Suicide Video FAQ - Warning Signs of Suicide (Hindi) Video IBRO Brain Awareness Week Event Pages IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant Event Pages Keys Bags Names Words - Post Screening Panel Discussion Video Make a Pedigree Chart Games & Activities Load More Useful Links Accelerator Program for Discovery in Brain Disorders (ADBS) Wellcome Collection Human Brain Project Big Brain RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) Simons Center for the Social Brain BRAIN Initiative UK Biobank Psychiatric Genomics Consortium International Consortium on Lithium Genetics (ConLiGen) Allen Brain Map cVEDA Project A-BIG-NET IC-MAGIC

In the News 2025-04-05 Stabilizing DNA Repeats: New Study Shows Promising Path To Treat SCA12 The study findings suggest that protecting DNA from mutations in brain cells could offer a viable treatment strategy for SCA12. Know more 2025-04-02 Making research inclusive: Bringing patients and the public into the fold Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement is transforming research around the globe - will India chime in? Know more 2024-10-30 ADHD to anxiety—Bengaluru’s mental health festival destigmatises disorders, diseases The festival, Mannotsava, was co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences. Know more 2024-10-10 Understanding Mental Health Across the Lifespan: A Conversation with Dr Biju Viswanath Do long working hours lead to mental illness, and if so, will it be untreatable? These are questions many of us grapple with while navigating workplace challenges. In this interview, Dr Biju Viswanath, a Clinical and Public Health Intermediate Fellow, addresses some related concerns. Know more 2024-07-24 Understanding how and why people go mad has been a critical aspect of human society Dr. Sanjeev Jain, author of Mindscape and Landscape: An Illustrated History of NIMHANS, offered insights into the history of mental health at an event in Bengaluru Know more 2024-07-21 Experts urge sensitive depiction of mental health in films Experts discuss cinema’s impact on mental health at an event in NINMHANS in Bengaluru on Saturday. Know more 2024-03-26 Matters of mind and art The Centre for Brain and Mind at NIMHANS, a research venture launched in 2023, will commemorate World Bipolar Day on March 30 the birthday of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh, by delving into the captivating fusion of science and art. Know more 2024-03-10 Variations in Bipolar Disorder: Insights from and Treatment Implications in Indian Patients The DBT/Wellcome Trust India welcomed 15 Early Career Fellows this year. This article introduces the research project of Dr. Biju Viswanath, DBT/WT India Alliance Intermediate Fellow in the Clinical and Public Health. Know more 2024-01-21 Pune, now a home to India Science Fest At more than 30 interactive stalls, students can learn about science concepts, including some set up by the industry. The fest also has fun competitions in science photography, science fiction writing, explaining one’s thesis to younger children, with prizes worth Rs 5 lakh. Know more Read More

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The Centre for Brain and Mind (CBM-NIMHANS) focuses on supporting research on five mental disorders — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder & dementia. The centre employs several tools & techniques to understand the complexities of brain & mind conditions. This is a collaborative effort of the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) & the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. Welcome Updates Research Events Jobs Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind About Us The Centre for Brain and Mind is a collaborative, premier research centre focused on supporting research on five mental disorders — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder and dementia. With a partnership between the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), the centre employs several tools & techniques to understand the complexities of brain and mind conditions. Learn More Introduction New at CBM Our Research Groups Clinical Group Endophenotype Group Genetics & Stem Cell Group Patients undergo extensive clinical investigations, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments at regular intervals as part of a longitudinal study Learn More Advances in stem cell technology allow us to investigate specific molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and offer insights into genetic variations and their effects on neuronal functioning in neural cell models. Learn More Endophenotypic clues derived from various assessments enhance the reliability of research on brain function by offering insights into genetic factors of a psychiatric disorder Learn More Exploring Bipolar Disorder Through Art Celebrated each year on March 30th, on the birth anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh (who was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder), World Bipolar Day encourages people to learn what bipolar disorder is - and isn't. Read more about our science & art blending event and view select pieces of art showcased at the exhibition! Read more Do you want to participate in our research? Click here to learn more Opportunities No open positions at the moment. Contact

Participate in Our Research Be a part of our groundbreaking research initiatives by volunteering! You can explore the dedicated pages for each research group to learn more about the innovative studies our scientists are conducting. Our research delves into understanding the complexities behind severe psychiatric illnesses. Our studies may involve - non-invasive methods like EEG recordings, where sensors are placed on the scalp to capture brainwave activity MRI brain scans simple measurements of button-press responses or eye movements blood sample which will be used for genetic and stem cell studies For more information, please read the “Information & Consent Forms” (links to the PDF documents in various languages are given below) If you are eager to participate as a research volunteer, you can register by filling out the form below . Once registered, we will reach out to you when a suitable study becomes available. Your involvement plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the human brain, and we welcome you to be a part of our exciting journey in pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Information and Consent Forms (PDF) Control (Unaffected Persons) Patient Relatives English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

Clinical Group Psychiatric disorders commonly emerge in young adulthood and significantly impact career choices and lifespan. Early onset of symptoms, usually before age 24, underscores the need for comprehensive support and intervention. The absence of a clear link between genes and observable traits makes treatment plans more complex. The neuropsychiatric disorders we study often have origins in early development, necessitating a shift towards understanding developmental trajectories. Dr Y C Janardhan Reddy Lead Investigator, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Cohort Dr. Vivek Benegal Lead Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr Biju Viswanath Lead Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. PT Sivakumar Co-Investigator, Dementia Cohort Dr. Vijay Kumar K.G. Co-Investigator, Schizophrenia Cohort Dr Jayant Mahadevan Co-Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr. Preethi V. Reddy Co-Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. Lekhansh Shukla Co-Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr. Srinivas Balachander Co-Investigator, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Cohort Dr Suhas Satish Co-Investigator, Schizophrenia Cohort Dr. Vijaykumar S Harbishettar Co-Investigator, Dementia Cohort Affiliated Labs & Centres Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS Schizophrenia & Metabolic Clinic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM) Geriatric Clinic Featured Publications Lakkireddy SP, Balachander S, Dayalamurthy P, et al. Neurocognition and its association with adverse childhood experiences and familial risk of mental illness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2022;119:110620. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110620 Sreeraj VS, Puzhakkal JC, Holla B, et al. Cross-diagnostic evaluation of minor physical anomalies in psychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res. 2021;142:54-62. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.028 Ali F, Sreeraj VS, Nadella RK, et al. Estimating the familial risk of psychiatric illnesses: A review of family history scores. Asian J Psychiatr. 2021;56:102551. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102551 Sreeraj VS, Holla B, Ithal D, et al. Psychiatric symptoms and syndromes transcending diagnostic boundaries in Indian multiplex families: The cohort of ADBS study. Psychiatry Res. 2021;296:113647. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113647 Someshwar A, Holla B, Pansari Agarwal P, et al. Adverse childhood experiences in families with multiple members diagnosed to have psychiatric illnesses. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2020;54(11):1086-1094. doi:10.1177/0004867420931157 Viswanath B, Rao NP, Narayanaswamy JC, et al. Discovery biology of neuropsychiatric syndromes (DBNS): a center for integrating clinical medicine and basic science. BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18(1):106. Published 2018 Apr 18. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1674-2

Endophenotype Group Endophenotypes are measurable and heritable traits or behaviors linked to a disorder, that sit between the genetic factors and the observable symptoms of the condition. Psychiatric disorders are increasingly viewed as neurodevelopmental disorders, which are influenced by genetic, epigenetic & environmental factors. These clues offer insights into genetic underpinnings of these disorders. Utilising endophenotypes derived from various assessments like neuroimaging can enhance the reliability of research on brain function. Dr. John P. John Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Venkatasubramanian Ganesan Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Jitender Saini Professor, Department of Neuro Imaging & Interventional Radiology Dr Bharath Holla Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Sreeraj V S Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Affiliated Labs and Centre ADBS Neuroimaging Centre (ANC) Centre for Brain Mapping (CBM) Translational Psychiatry Lab (TransPsych) Multi-modal Brain Imaging Analysis Lab (MBIAL) Facilities Featured Publications Parekh P, Vivek Bhalerao G; ADBS consortium, John JP, Venkatasubramanian G. Sample size requirement for achieving multisite harmonization using structural brain MRI features. Neuroimage. 2022;264:119768. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119768 Lakkireddy SP, Balachander S, Dayalamurthy P, et al. Neurocognition and its association with adverse childhood experiences and familial risk of mental illness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2022;119:110620. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110620 Bhalerao GV, Parekh P, Saini J, Venkatasubramanian G, John JP; ADBS consortium. Systematic evaluation of the impact of defacing on quality and volumetric assessments on T1-weighted MR-images. J Neuroradiol. 2022;49(3):250-257. doi:10.1016/j.neurad.2021.03.001 Parekh P, Bhalerao GV, Rao R, et al. Protocol for magnetic resonance imaging acquisition, quality assurance, and quality check for the Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2021;30(3):e1871. doi:10.1002/mpr.1871 Holla B, Dayal P, Das A, et al. Transdiagnostic neurocognitive endophenotypes in major psychiatric illness. medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). February 2020. doi:10.1101/2020.02.14.20022863

Learn more about upcoming events at the Centre for Brain and Mind - NIMHANS Upcoming Events There are currently no events scheduled No events at the moment Past Events Sci560: Science in the City ಶನಿ, 16 ನವೆಂ Science Gallery Bengaluru This weekend scholars from NIMHANS will be at the Science Gallery Bengaluru for a series of programmes focused on mental health. Recordings of the events will be available on the Science Gallery Bengaluru website. Details Talk by Prof John Nurnberger | Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder: Will Polygenic Scores Be Useful? ಗುರು, 14 ನವೆಂ Platinum Jubilee Hall, NIMHANS Join us this Thursday at 5 pm at the Platinum Jubilee Hall, NIMHANS, Bangalore for an interesting talk on the genetics of alcohol use disorder by Prof John Nurnberger, Joyce & Iver Small Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine Details Talk by Prof Vidita Vaidya | Monoamines, Mitochondria and Mood ಶುಕ್ರ, 06 ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂ Platinum Jubilee Hall, NIMHANS Join us for a riveting talk on "Monoamines, Mitochondria and Mood" by Professor Vidita Vaidya, from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. Details Coffee, Cinema and Community: Mental Health Redefined ಸೋಮ, 15 ಜುಲೈ Bengaluru You can read more about our Brain Awareness Week event here - https://www.mglnimhans.org/ibro-dana Learn more Through the Looking Glass: Artistic Perspectives on Mental Health ಮಂಗಳ, 25 ಜೂನ್ Registrations open online Express your journey through art! Share your personal experiences or empathetic reflections on mental health. Details Load More

About Us Through deep interrogation of brain networks via brain imaging and clinical electrophysiology as well as sub-cellular networks using molecular and cellular analysis, we aim to move towards a better mechanistic understanding of these disorders. These findings should lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with psychiatric disorders as well as fundamental new insights into the function of the human brain. Changes in the structure and function of the brain that result in mental illness are poorly understood. Neither do we know why some individuals are more prone to developing mental illness than others. Studying these underlying changes in the brain will likely lead to better methods to diagnose and treat mental illness. Our Objecti ves Investigate Psychiatric Disorders & Establish Databases Establish and investigate a large cohort of families with severe psychiatric illnesses & healthy controls Establish an informative, digital database of research outcomes alongside a repository of biological samples Research Focus Understand the causes, connections and courses of severe psychiatric illnesses Explore potential interventions and treatments Advanced Techniques Employ advanced techniques in imaging, genetics, and stem cell biology towards understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these disorders Open Source and Collaboration Commit to openness and collaboration by making the database and repository open-source Emphasise public engagement and community outreach Nodal Centres Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary centre for patient care, academics and cutting-edge research in the field of mental health and neuroscience. With its history dating back to 1847, the Central Government recognized its eminent academic position, growth and contributions, and declared it a ‘Deemed University’ in 1994. In 2012, NIMHANS was conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’. National Centre for Biological Sciences The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), located in Bangalore, is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Established in 1992, It is a premier research institute with research interests of faculty members lying in the frontier areas of biology, and the science at NCBS (a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) uses experimental and computational approaches in the study of molecules, cells and organisms. Funding Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies , led by Rohini Nilekani, is a catalyst for positive social change in India. With a focus on education, water conservation, healthcare, and social justice, the foundation collaborates with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative solutions. Prioritising community empowerment and amplifying marginalised voices, it strategically invests for lasting impact. Board of Advisors

Research Overview The Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind tackles the global challenge of psychiatric disorders with a pioneering study focusing on high-risk families. Clinical investigations, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments, are conducted on these cohorts regularly. Through our collaborations with NCBS, patient blood samples are used to establish disease-specific cellular models using immortalised cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Clinical Group Endophenotype Group Genetics and Stem Cell Group By analysing these patient-derived cell lines through genetic studies & cell-based assays, alongside large-scale clinical data, our research aims to unravel the complex relationship between cellular phenotypes and psychiatric disorder progression. This interdisciplinary approach promises to advance our understanding and facilitate the development of innovative therapies, ultimately improving mental health outcomes. For Researchers For General Public Clinical Assessments Our clinicians conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients’ behaviours and symptoms. This is followed by a psychiatric screening that assesses family history, charts hereditary traits & measures the severity of the disorder. Neuropsychological tests evaluate cognitive skills in individuals with & without psychiatric disorders, considering their family history Genetic Studies We assess changes in DNA sequence in psychiatric patients, their immediate relatives & in unrelated controls (people without a psychiatric diagnosis). Understanding why & how these changes happen can help scientists understand how genetic risk translates to disease. Multimodal Neuroimaging We use imaging techniques such as eye-movement tracking, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, MRIs and EEGs. These help us evaluate the structural changes in the brain & its activity linked to psychiatric diseases. Bioinformatics Using powerful computers, we study differences in the DNA of individuals with & without psychiatric disorders in different populations. This genetic information helps us find the cause & predict the chances of developing these psychiatric disorders. Stem Cell Research Stem cells, developed from blood cells, are used to investigate differences in brain cells during disease. We study whether these cells function differently than those of non-affected people. Clinical Assessment Our doctors examine you for the presence of any psychiatric disorders & take a blood sample. They make a chart of your family history to understand if any psychiatric disorder runs in your family. They also assess how severe your disorder is & evaluate your cognitive skills. Brain Imaging Our researchers use different methods to peek inside the brain and check for any changes in its structure & function. EEG records the electrical signals from the brain. It helps us find changes in brain activity. We also use other techniques such as eye tracking & near infrared spectroscopy to study different forms of brain activity and function. MRI uses a powerful magnet to take detailed pictures of your brain, and allows doctors to check the structure for any potential abnormalities. Genetic Studies Remember the blood sample we took? We isolate DNA from blood cells & study the genetic sequence. We try to understand whether changes in the DNA are linked to certain psychiatric disorders. We also aim to understand the differences in DNA sequences using mathematical models. This helps us learn if these differences make it more likely for someone to develop psychiatric symptoms. Stem Cell Research We also use blood samples to create stem cells, which are special cells that can grow into many different kinds of cells in the body. We turn them into brain cells to understand how they function in people with & without psychiatric disorders. All of this information together, helps us understand psychiatric disorders better & can lead to development of better treatments!

Work With Us NIMHANS is conducting written cum skill test for filling 2 posts of “Research Assistant ” on contract basis. Date & time: 13th March 2025 at 09:30 AM Venue: NIMHANS, Bengaluru For more details, visit the advertisement link . NIMHANS is conducting written cum skill test for filling up the post of “Psychiatric Social Worker (Research) ” on a contract basis Date & time: 12th March 2025 at 09:30 AM. Venue: NIMHANS, Bengaluru For more details, visit the advertisement link . Internship Opportunities Explore the dynamic realm of neuroscience and psychiatric research with internship opportunities at CBM-NIMHANS. Gain invaluable hands-on experience, delve into cutting-edge research, and be part of a team shaping the future of brain science. Internship opportunities are available on a rolling basis. Sign up here, and we will reach out to you if there are any available positions. Sign Up

Genetics and Stem Cell Group Molecular disturbances involving multiple genes contribute to the complexity of psychiatric disorders, requiring a focus on cellular and molecular changes. Advances in stem cell technology allow us to investigate specific molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and offer insights into genetic variations and their effects on neuronal functioning in neural cell models using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This offers potential for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Dr Biju Viswanath Lead Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. Meera Purushottam Senior Scientific Officer, Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Suhas Ganesh Clinician Scientist, MQ: Transforming Mental Health Fellow, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Reeteka Sud Lab Senior Scientist, Department of Psychiatry Affiliated Labs and Centre Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL) Bhalla Lab Padinjat Lab ADBS Data Centre Facilities Featured Publications Janardhanan M, Sen S, Shankarappa B, Purushottam M. Molecular genetics of neuropsychiatric illness: some musings. Front Genet. 2023;14:1203017. Published 2023 Nov 1. doi:10.3389/fgene.2023.1203017 Shankarappa B, Mahadevan J, Murthy P, et al. Hypomethylation of Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Patients of Alcohol Use Disorder with Cirrhosis. DNA Cell Biol. 2023;42(7):364-371. doi:10.1089/dna.2022.0669 Sukumaran SK, Paul P, Guttal V, et al. Abnormalities in the migration of neural precursor cells in familial bipolar disorder. Dis Model Mech. 2022;15(10):dmm049526. doi:10.1242/dmm.049526 Ratna N, Pasupulati SL, Nadella RK, Purushottam M, Jain S. Complexities in Genetic Counseling and Testing of Huntington's Disease: A Perspective from India. Neurol India. 2022;70(5):2141-2144. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.359184 Paul P, Iyer S, Nadella RK, et al. Lithium response in bipolar disorder correlates with improved cell viability of patient derived cell lines . Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7428. Published 2020 May 4. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64202-1 Timothy A, Benegal V, Shankarappa B, Saxena S, Jain S, Purushottam M. Influence of early adversity on cortisol reactivity, SLC6A4 methylation and externalizing behavior in children of alcoholics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2019;94:109649. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109649 Viswanath B, Rao NP, Narayanaswamy JC, et al. Discovery biology of neuropsychiatric syndromes (DBNS): a center for integrating clinical medicine and basic science. BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18(1):106. Published 2018 Apr 18. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1674-2