Bipolar Disorder and the Brain is a look at neuroscience research and bipolar disorders. The Society for Neuroscience publishes a monthly newsletter called Brain Briefings aimed at highlighting neuroscience for the layperson. Sign up for free copies in the mail, and have a look at the archives on their web site.
Bipolar Disorder and the Brain describes some ongoing research areas, and there are pretty fMRI brain scans illustrating activity in the brain during depression and mania.
Also:
Our genes guide the production of proteins that run brain development and function. One study found evidence that a variation of gene, known as BDNF, which produces a factor involved in the development of brain structures like the ones found to be abnormal in bipolar disorder, may increase a person’s risk of developing the illness. Researchers also are examining possible links to many other genes involved in cell survival and development.
With continued study, this research may help scientists find ways to detect bipolar disorder earlier and intervene earlier. For example, researchers imagine that in the future they will be able to develop a simple brain scan that identifies suspect brain alterations or devise a blood test that signals that brain changes exist. And perhaps once the genes behind the disorder are clarified, a test could be developed to detect them early.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 25 Apr 2006
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.
Kiume, S. (2006). The Bipolar Brain. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 13, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/04/25/the-bipolar-brain/
