Fall 2007
Bipolar Genes
A research team has identified specific genes that put an individual at a greater risk of bipolar disorder. Each solitary gene makes only a relatively small contribution to the overall risk, but together the genes affect the way brain cells communicate with each other. The study, published in the British journal Nature, was done by comparing and contrasting DNA samples from 17,000 Britons. Teams studied bipolar disorder, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other common diseases.
Approximately 100 million people around the world suffer from bipolar disorder. As a result of the discovery of a genetic link, better diagnostics for mental diseases, as well as new treatments, should be forthcoming. New treatments could include medications, but will likely also include talk-based treatments, education, and lifestyle advocacy. Nick Craddock of Cardiff University, the team that led the bipolar research, said, “With the ongoing scientific advances in understanding of [bipolar] illness, we have the opportunity to make things very different for the next generation. This should be a time of great optimism for those individuals and families that have experienced illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.”
Published by Dr. Robert O'Block
