Bipolar Disorder and Genetic Predisposition
Bipolar Disorder: A Case of Bad Genes?
December 13, 2011
Abstract
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mood disorder in which a person experiences alternating episodes of both depression and mania. Bipolar disorder affects 1 in 100 people in the world. Throughout history, scientists and physicians have tried to find the exact cause of the disorder, but only in the last 30 years been able to confirm genetics as a culprit. Advances in research have enabled scientists to accurately pinpoint genetic variants that can alter each patient’s reaction to certain medication and treatment methods. Scientists are studying the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder in order one day, in the future, to be able to provide personalized medication and treatment plans for those individuals who suffer from the disorder.
Jesica Mueller
Professor Reynolds
EH 1020
December 3, 2011
Bipolar Disorder: A Case of Bad Genes?
Formally known as manic depression, bipolar disorder will affect one in every 100 people in the world. Throughout history, there have been many theories on what causes the disorder. Over time, researchers have concluded there can be many possible factors in the development of this disorder, one of which includes genetics. In this paper, I will address the following topics: 1. What is bipolar disorder and how is it diagnosed? 2. Gender distribution and co-morbidity with other illnesses. 3. The causes of bipolar disorder: A thousand years of theories and research. 4. Increasing knowledge of the genetics of bipolar.
Understanding the genetics of bipolar disorder could help to predict familial predisposition and could provide information needed for the preparation of a personalized medication and treatment plan.
What is Bipolar Disorder
And How is It Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as mood disorder. (Association, A. P., 2000)
December 13, 2011
Abstract
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mood disorder in which a person experiences alternating episodes of both depression and mania. Bipolar disorder affects 1 in 100 people in the world. Throughout history, scientists and physicians have tried to find the exact cause of the disorder, but only in the last 30 years been able to confirm genetics as a culprit. Advances in research have enabled scientists to accurately pinpoint genetic variants that can alter each patient’s reaction to certain medication and treatment methods. Scientists are studying the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder in order one day, in the future, to be able to provide personalized medication and treatment plans for those individuals who suffer from the disorder.
Jesica Mueller
Professor Reynolds
EH 1020
December 3, 2011
Bipolar Disorder: A Case of Bad Genes?
Formally known as manic depression, bipolar disorder will affect one in every 100 people in the world. Throughout history, there have been many theories on what causes the disorder. Over time, researchers have concluded there can be many possible factors in the development of this disorder, one of which includes genetics. In this paper, I will address the following topics: 1. What is bipolar disorder and how is it diagnosed? 2. Gender distribution and co-morbidity with other illnesses. 3. The causes of bipolar disorder: A thousand years of theories and research. 4. Increasing knowledge of the genetics of bipolar.
Understanding the genetics of bipolar disorder could help to predict familial predisposition and could provide information needed for the preparation of a personalized medication and treatment plan.
What is Bipolar Disorder
And How is It Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as mood disorder. (Association, A. P., 2000)
References: McMahon, F. J., (2007, July). A success at the end of an Era, and a glimpse of things to come. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 999-1001. National Institute of Mental Health. (2009). Bipolar Disorder. Bethesda, MD: Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch. National Institute of Mental Health. (2010, January 28). Genes suspected in both depression and bipolar illness Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2010/same-genes-suspected-in-both-depression-and-bipolar-illness.shtml. Phillips, J.A., (2005). Tracking down the footprints of bipolar disorder. Retrieved December 2, 2011 from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/bipolar/overview.php Potash, J. B., Toolan, J., Steele, J., Miller, E. B., Pearl, J., Zandi, P. P., et al. (2007, August). The bipolar disorder phenome database: A resource for genetic studies. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164:8, 1229-1237. Walden, J., & Gruze, H. (2004). Bipolar affective disorders: etiology and treatment. Germany: Grammlich, Pliezhausen. Yolken, R. H., & Torrey, E. F., (2006, June). Infectious agents in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Psychiatric Times, 23:7, 1-5.