http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/bipolar_disorder/ Bipolar Disorder News. Read the latest medical research on causes, symptoms and new treatments for bipolar disorder. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/bipolar_disorder/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141530.htm Bipolar disorder, or manic-depression, causes severe and unusual shifts in mood and energy, affecting a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. With symptoms often starting in early adulthood, bipolar disorder has been thought of traditionally as a lifelong disorder. Now, researchers have found evidence that nearly half of those diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 25 may outgrow the disorder by the time they reach 30. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729100936.htm A year ago, researchers reported that fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received an actual diagnosis of bipolar disorder after using a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview tool -- the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. In this follow-up study, the researchers have determined the actual diagnoses of those patients. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729100936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152943.htm Diagnosing children with bipolar disorder is challenging and controversial. Some children with bipolar disorder are diagnosed based on irritable mood alone. Findings support current diagnostic criteria. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603091133.htm Until now diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been difficult to study biologically, since this would entail taking samples from the patient’s brain. But new research findings show that it is just as good to study a certain type of skin cells, since they function in a way that is similar to a type of brain cells that are suspected of playing a major role in both disorders. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603091133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112715.htm Researchers have found that bipolar disorder is more costly than other chronic conditions such as diabetes, depression, asthma or coronary artery disease. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430144703.htm For some time now it has been known that certain hereditary factors enhance the risk of schizophrenia or a manic-depressive disorder. However, just how this occurs had remained obscure. Researchers are now able to answer this question, at least for one common genetic variant: this impairs the interoperation of certain regions of the brain. Fri, 01 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430144703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421080208.htm New research suggests a possible pathway for the operation of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It offers potential for new perspectives on the genetics of bipolar disorder and the development of new treatments for this disorder and other conditions. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421080208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302183118.htm Children and teens of parents with bipolar disorder appear to have an increased risk of early-onset bipolar disorder, mood disorders and anxiety disorders, according to a new report. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302183118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211161948.htm Scientists have attempted to identify what factors make some people with bipolar depression more likely to experience treatment-emergent mania. Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211161948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202103023.htm People with bipolar disorder have a higher death rate from natural causes compared to people in the general population of the same age and gender but without mental illness. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202103023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090116073803.htm Lack of grey matter in the brain is linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A new study shows that adolescents experiencing a first outbreak of psychosis have lower levels of gray matter in their brains than healthy teenagers. Strangely, this change was seen in patients suffering from various psychoses, including bipolar illness and schizophrenia. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090116073803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121180438.htm Neuroscientists have created the first comprehensive map of genes likely to be involved in bipolar disorder. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121180438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118200547.htm Men and women who have tried to kill themselves and are suffering from unipolar disorder (major depression), bipolar disorder (manic depression) or schizophrenia are at a very high risk of committing suicide within a year of their first attempt, concludes a new study. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118200547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180654.htm About 44 percent of individuals who had bipolar disorder as children continue to have manic episodes as young adults, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. This rate, along with the severity of the disease at young ages, strongly suggest that bipolar disorder can be continuous from childhood to adulthood, the authors note. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902075218.htm Lingering depression is a serious and common problem in bipolar disorder, and does not resolve well with existing treatments. Because individuals with both depression and bipolar disorder experience a glutathione deficiency, an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins, researchers sought to evaluate whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an over-the-counter supplement that increases brain glutathione, might help alleviate depressive symptoms. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902075218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901205719.htm Older age among fathers may be associated with an increased risk for bipolar disorder in their offspring, according to a new report. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901205719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901205725.htm Family-focused therapy, when combined with medication, appears effective in stabilizing symptoms of depression among teens with bipolar disorder, according to a new report. Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080901205725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080831114715.htm Bipolar disorder is one of the most important psychiatric diseases, often associated with considerable treatment needs and tremendous social and occupational burden for both the individual and family (Pini et al., 2005). Previously also labeled manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is typically referred to as an episodic, yet lifelong and clinically severe mood (or affective) disorder. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080831114715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223548.htm A large genetic study of bipolar disorder has implicated machinery that balances levels of sodium and calcium in neurons. The disorder was associated with variation in two genes that make components of such ion channels. Although it's not yet known if or how the suspect genetic variation might affect the balance machinery, the results point to the possibility that bipolar disorder might stem, at least in part, from malfunction of ion channels. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110258.htm Psychiatry has begun the laborious effort of preparing the DSM-V, the new iteration of its diagnostic manual. In so doing, it once again wrestles with the task set by Carl Linnaeus, to "cleave nature at its joints." However, these "joints," the boundaries between psychiatric disorders, such as that between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are far from clear. We now know that symptoms of bipolar disorder may be seen in patients with schizophrenia and the reverse is true, as well. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070450.htm A new study finds a link between poor sleep and suicidal behavior among children and adolescents with depressive episodes. Poor sleep was more frequent among those with pediatric bipolar disorder and pediatric unipolar disorder, and this was clearly detected by the presence of initial insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604160118.htm It is important to identify the endophenotypes -- traits associated with a clinical disorder -- that can serve as a roadmap for detecting disease-related genes. That is why researchers are studying families to detect relatives who are carriers of the genes for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, even though these individuals don't have the diseases themselves. Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604160118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602105515.htm A new study supports previous reports that adolescents with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for smoking and substance abuse. The article also indicates that bipolar-associated risk is independent of the risk conferred by other disorders affecting study participants. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602105515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506074440.htm Fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder based on a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview -- the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506074440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422203136.htm Despite intriguing findings that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could alleviate depression symptoms, there is still not enough evidence to say whether omega-3s are useful treatments for people with bipolar disorder, according to a review of recent studies. Nevertheless, omega-3s deserve further study, since they seem to have no serious side effects and most experts recommend the supplements for people with heart disease and some immune disorders, said the authors. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422203136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422171452.htm An analysis of NESARC's Wave 2 identifies predictors of first episodes of DSM-IV substance, mood and anxiety disorders. One-year incidence was highest for alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Incidence was significantly greater among men for most substance use disorders, greater among women for most mood and anxiety disorders, decreased among Blacks for alcohol abuse, and decreased among Hispanics for GAD. Age was related inversely to all disorders. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422171452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312081256.htm Bipolar Disorder (BPD or manic-depressive illness) is one of the most serious of all mental disorders, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Affected individuals alternate between states of deep depression and mania. Now, a mouse model of the disease has been developed. Researchers found that the glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) gene is associated with bipolar disorder. Mice that were missing the GluR6 gene underwent a series of tests designed to approximate the symptoms of mania. These mice showed many of the symptoms of mania, including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, driven or increased goal-directed pursuits, risk-taking, and super-sensitivity to amphetamine. The researchers also found that treating the mice with lithium -- the classic treatment for bipolar disorder -- reduced these symptoms. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312081256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190626.htm A small, three-week trial of tamoxifen, a drug typically used to treat breast cancer, indicates that it also may decrease symptoms of mania in patients with bipolar disorder, according to a new article. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080205123833.htm People with manic depression have a distinct chemical signature in their brains, according to a new study. The research may also indicate how the mood stabilizers used to treat the disorder counteract the changes in the brain that it appears to cause. Manic depression, which is also known as bipolar disorder, is a debilitating psychiatric condition characterised by alternating mania and depression, affecting about one in every hundred people worldwide. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080205123833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103101121.htm Bright light therapy can ease bipolar depression in some patients, a new study has found. Women with bipolar depression were given light boxes and instructed on how to use them at home. Using the light boxes daily for two-week stretches of 15, 30 and 45 minutes, some patients responded extremely well to the light therapy and their symptoms of depression disappeared. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080103101121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081554.htm Puberty may have an impact on areas of the brain that contribute to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in youth, according to a new study. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081558.htm Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic-depressive disorder, is highly influenced by the circadian system -- the body's internal clock -- and a specific kind of psychotherapy may help decrease irregularities in the circadian system that can trigger key symptoms of bipolar disorder, according to a new study. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126110446.htm Children with bipolar disorder respond differently to facial expressions than typically developing children without psychiatric disorders, according to a new study. Children with bipolar disorder also demonstrated reduced memory for emotional faces as compared to children without bipolar disorder -- particularly with "fearful" faces. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126110446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106140026.htm Young people with asthma are about twice as likely to suffer from depressive and anxiety disorders than are children without asthma, according to a new study. Previous research had suggested a possible link in young people between asthma and some mental health problems, but this study is the first showing such a strong connection. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106140026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912090210.htm The manic phase of bipolar disorder favors destructive behaviors. Stemming it quickly is important. Tamoxifen's effects were dramatic -- 63 percent of patients responded vs. 13 percent on placebo -- and it kicked in faster than many current medications. Tamoxifen skips some of current drugs' biochemical steps and acts directly on the enzyme protein-kinase C, giving scientists a more direct target at which to aim new medications in their search for faster-acting treatments. Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912090210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823100853.htm Mental health researchers have succeeded in halving the number of relapses experienced by people with bipolar disorder which strikes two in 100 Australians, accounts for 12 percent of suicides each year and costs the country at least $1.5 billion annually. Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823100853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070802132212.htm A preliminary study of 85 patients with bipolar disorder shows that a drug used to treat patients with sleep disorders might also control the depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. At least 44 percent of the participants in the study reported improved symptoms, a noteworthy improvement for a disorder in which new treatments are needed. Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070802132212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731160120.htm A novel, free, public online database that recently opened should greatly speed efforts to find genes linked to increase risk of bipolar disorder. The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database is the first of its kind, offering detailed descriptions of symptoms and course of disease on more than 5,000 people with bipolar illness, a mood disorder commonly marked by alternating bouts of depression and manic or overexcited behavior. Fri, 03 Aug 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731160120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070720103036.htm People with bipolar disorder suffer from accelerated brain tissue loss, which is associated with progressive decline in some areas of mental ability. This discovery has implications not only for the way we research the disease, but may also impact the way this condition is treated. Sat, 21 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070720103036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718001554.htm Lithium will be evaluated for the treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents in a new study. Pediatric bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is characterized by extreme and unusual changes in mood, ranging from mania to depression. Symptoms of mania can include extreme or persistent euphoria or irritability, inflated self-esteem, increased energy and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive symptoms may include physical complaints such as headaches, tiredness, lack of interest in activities, or social isolation. Thu, 19 Jul 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718001554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070608112043.htm While the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be disabling on their own, most patients with the condition also are afflicted with a variety of other psychiatric and physical disorders. Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070608112043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070607112917.htm Looking into the brain is yielding vital clues to understanding, diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, according to new findings. Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070607112917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070518160743.htm A novel device called a "LifeShirt" -- a computerized vest that continuously monitors the patient's movements -- shows that patterns of movements differ between patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The device monitors hyperactive and repetitive movements, and collects data on respiration, heart rate and other physiological measures. While wearing the vest, subjects' movements were also recorded by a camera embedded in the ceiling. Tue, 22 May 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070518160743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070507183819.htm A new study supports earlier estimates of the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the US population, and suggests the illness may be more accurately characterized as a spectrum disorder. It also finds that many people with the illness are not receiving appropriate treatment. Thu, 10 May 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070507183819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070508072825.htm Several specific genes are implicated in bipolar disorder. This was the first genome-wide "association" study of the illness. One of the genes implicated produces a protein that could be a target for developing better medications for the disorder. Tue, 08 May 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070508072825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070501075301.htm Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect approximately 1-3 percent of adults, but also can affect children and adolescents. Untreated, this disorder is associated with greater risk of drug and alcohol addiction, interpersonal relationship difficulties, school and, later, work problems, engaging in risky behaviors, and suicide. Fri, 04 May 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070501075301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502143813.htm Scientists have pinpointed how different types of damage to the same gene can cause some people to suffer from schizophrenia while others have major depression. The findings provide further evidence that these illnesses are inherited, and may in the future help doctors pinpoint which patients will respond to different types of treatments. Thu, 03 May 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502143813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070411090315.htm Neuroscientists have shown that lithium, long the standard treatment for bipolar disorder, increases the amount of gray matter in the brains of patients with the illness. Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070411090315.htm