«
»

NIMH: Genetic Link to Bipolar Disorder?

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Joe

Recently, the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) distributed a press release entitled “Largest Study of Its Kind Implicates Gene Abnormalities in Bipolar Disorder.” According to the press release, this “largest genetic analysis of its kind to date for bipolar disorder has implicated machinery involved in the balance of sodium and calcium in brain cells.”

As the press release points out, no single gene has been identified as the “bipolar gene.” Researchers generally agree that multiple gene anomalies contribute to making an individual more susceptible to the eventual onset of bipolar disorder. Environmental issues, including psychosocial stressors, diet, sleep-wake schedules, toxins (including tobacco, drugs, and alcohol), head trauma, illness and infection, and other unknown factors also play a role in the onset of bipolar disorder.

For more about bipolar disorder, genetics, and heredity, check out Dr. Fink’s two-part series – “Bipolar Disorder & Heredity: The Genetic Link.”

Comments

3 Responses to “NIMH: Genetic Link to Bipolar Disorder?”

  1. Depression » Blog Archive » People Struggling With Bipolar on August 21st, 2008 3:52 pm

    [...] NIMH: Genetic Link to Bipolar Disorder? – Recently, the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) distributed a press release entitled “Largest Study of Its Kind Implicates Gene Abnormalities in Bipolar Disorder.” According to the press release, this “largest genetic analysis … [...]

  2. Recent Faves Tagged With "nimh" : MyNetFaves on November 4th, 2008 10:20 am

    [...] public links >> nimh NIMH: Genetic Link to Bipolar Disorder? First saved by damnzen | 1 days ago Know Your Laptop Battery First saved by cseegraef | 33 [...]

  3. Lost in the Woods » Bipolar and genetics on January 3rd, 2009 7:17 pm

    [...] has not been the gene specifically identified because more studies, as mentioned above are needed. NIMH: Genetic Link to Bipolar Disorder? All I know is that my road traveled will only help hers. It scares me with all the doctors [...]

Leave a Reply




PsychCentral Best of Web - Blog Award

Pages & Stories

Blogroll