Bipolar Disorder & The Genetic Connection
By Julie Frey
A new research study has proven what has long been suspected. Bipolar disorder is a genetic disease and the genes involved are the ANK3 and CCACNA1C genes.
One thing that the research highlights is that even though we all possess both the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes, people who have bipolar disorder were more likely to have variants of these genes. The important phrase used in the research report is the term “more likely.”
What this indicates is that even some of the people that show no signs of bipolar disorder also possessed variants in their ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. So, evidently, Although the gene variances seem to be an important indicator, there has to be some other factor or factors as well. And, this is what scientists will be focused on in the next ten or so years.
Most likely an excellent place to begin would be in taking a look at twins, especially identically twins. Researchers know already that, in the case of identical twins, one could be bipolar and the other normal. Most of these studies, however, were done before the specific genes that cause bipolar were discovered.
Now, however, knowing the exact genes that are involved, more accurate studies can be created. It would appear that the next most logical step would be to take a look at identical twins and see if they both contain variances in their ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. And, no matter what the results show, it would undoubtedly be the next great advance in determining the importance of these variances and in illustrating just what role they play in the disease.
Usually, when a person has bipolar disorder episodes the following script occurs. They will bounce back and forth from high levels of giddy franticness and hyper-activity. This is normally followed by either short or long periods of depression. And then followed again by a high level of hyper-activity. The importance of gene research is in it eventually being able to come up with some sort of therapy that can act directly on these genes and help in the behavior modification process.
There are current drugs on the market today that do help to alleviate some of the mood swings of the disease. But most were developed before researchers knew much about the specific genes involved in the disease. Now that we know these genes, hopefully better drug treatments can be devised.
Currently, the most popular drug prescribed for the disease is Lithium which, in many people, causes a number of unwanted side effects such as weight gain and trembling. Hopefully, the discovery of these two bipolar genes can help to develop better drug treatments.
Knowing the genes and chemical reactions that occur in the brains of bipolar patients can help immensely in helping to discover appropriate medications for manic depression treatment.
To date, this study has been the largest one to focus on the genetic analysis of bipolar disorder. Hopefully, its success will lead to funding for other brain diseases as well.
About the Author: Julie Frey writes about bipolar disorder and how it affects lives. For more information regarding bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar support groups, and other manic depression issues, please visit her website.
Courtesy: www.articlerich.com
Photo: me and the sysop
