A University of Chicago team aims to establish a new system of diagnosis for psychotic diseases using biomarkers, which may guide the development of novel therapies. The Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes will recruit additional study participants over five years.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine discovered that valproic acid preserves the M-current during seizures, which contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. This finding points to new drug discovery approaches with fewer side effects.
Researchers discovered a consistent reduction in gray matter volume in the right anterior insula portion of the brain across all 4 ethnic groups studied. This finding suggests that this region may provide valuable information for diagnostic evaluations in various Axis I disorders.
Teens with major depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to have several cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and obesity. Early monitoring is urged to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among young people.
Researchers developed an objective method to differentiate between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on urine metabolites. A panel of six biomarkers showed an 89-91% accuracy rate in predicting each condition.
Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.
A new study finds that genetic risk scores for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are higher in creative individuals, suggesting a shared genetic root with creativity. This association could provide new clues about the underlying biological pathways of psychiatric disorders.
Women with depression and bipolar disorder performed poorly on a test of cognitive control, which requires sustained concentration. Brain scans showed different levels of activity in the right posterior parietal cortex compared to healthy women.
Research by Mark Zimmerman suggests borderline personality disorder's psychosocial morbidity and suicidality comparable to bipolar disorder. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of BPD.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that an insulin-like hormone, IGF-1, increases lithium sensitivity in blood cells of patients who do not respond to traditional treatment. This breakthrough may pave the way for improving the efficacy of lithium in treating bipolar disorder.
A new study by CAMH reveals that people with severe schizophrenia have distinct differences in their brain networks compared to those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy individuals. The research provides strong evidence that schizophrenia is not one but rather multiple brain disorders.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between short, distinct episodes of manic symptoms and the development of bipolar disorder in high-risk children. The study suggests that monitoring these symptoms could lead to earlier identification and treatment.
A systematic review found a significant link between cannabis use and the onset of mania symptoms in individuals with pre-existing bipolar disorder. Cannabis use was also shown to worsen mania symptoms in those without pre-existing bipolar disorder, highlighting a major clinical problem.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder using a novel MRI imaging approach. The study found elevated signal in cerebral white matter and cerebellar region of patients, suggesting abnormal cell metabolism may play a role in the disorder.
This special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry provides an overview of recent advances in understanding and treating bipolar disorder. Key findings include the role of white matter disease, stress and HPA axis function, effectiveness of lithium, stimulants for depression, functional remediation, and issues in network meta-analysis.
A transgenic mouse with a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter protein may lead to improvements in ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment. The mice exhibit unusual "darting behavior," which could be related to impulsivity and abnormal dopamine release.
Pregnant women with bipolar disorder face a higher risk of premature birth and complications. The study suggests modifying lifestyle and behavioral factors may help reduce this risk.
Researchers found concentrated levels of ANK3, a gene linked to bipolar disorder risk, in nanodomain structures within brain synapses. This discovery could provide insight into the biology of bipolar disorder and potentially lead to new treatments.
Researchers found that individuals with severe mental illness use YouTube to share personal stories, strategies for coping, and seek support from others. This natural peer-to-peer connection helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and fosters a sense of hope and community.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.
Researchers will sequence the genomes of 10,000 people with European, Hispanic, and African-American ancestry to better understand two mental health disorders. The goal is to identify genetic targets for drug development and improve disease prediction.
A multi-institutional team will sequence total genomic DNA from 10,000 or more ethnically diverse individuals to identify genetic variants associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort at Keck School of Medicine of USC comprises over 37,000 participants.
A new survey of over 70 people with bipolar disorder suggests that yoga can have a substantial impact on reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and improving emotional well-being. However, some respondents also reported potential risks, such as physical injury or pain, and the need for caution in certain practice styles.
A rare gene variant associated with a threefold risk of bipolar disorder, a two-to-three-fold increased risk of schizophrenia or alcohol dependence, and a threefold risk of developing the condition. The variant is found in approximately one in every 200 people.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder have stronger brain activity in the 'pleasure centre', guiding them towards riskier decisions. In contrast, a healthy control group's prefrontal cortex guides safer choices. This study aims to design and monitor therapies for bipolar disorder using neuroscience.
A new study suggests that bipolar children have unique brain activity patterns compared to adults, particularly in emotional face recognition and cognitive tasks. The research provides insight into potential targeted treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder.
Research at Umeå University reveals that low cortisol levels increase the risk of depression in people with bipolar disorder. The study found that both high and low cortisol levels impaired mental health, with those having low cortisol levels experiencing a chronic state of the disorder.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that calcium channels in resting neurons activate the breakdown of Sp4, a transcription factor regulating gene expression. The research suggests that misregulation of Sp4 may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
A Wayne State University study reveals that children genetically at risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder experience communication breakdowns in brain networks supporting attention. This dysfunction may amplify risk for psychiatric illnesses, highlighting potential premeditative intervention strategies.
A smartphone app has shown promise in detecting early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder through voice analysis during everyday phone conversations. The app, called PRIORI, analyzes broad features and properties of speech to identify potential mood swings.
A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.
Researchers derived stem cell lines from people with bipolar disorder to study brain cell development and behavior. The comparison revealed specific differences in gene expression, neuron development, and response to lithium, which may lead to new treatment options and personalized medicine.
Researchers identified two new gene regions associated with bipolar disorder and confirmed three existing ones through a massive international collaboration. The study analyzed genetic data from over 9,400 patients and found that these genes work together with environmental factors to contribute to the disease.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified two new gene regions linked to bipolar disorder, bringing hope for new treatments. The research, involving over 24,000 patients and healthy individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the complex condition.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.
Researchers at UCLA and international collaborators identify 50 brain and behavioral measures associated with bipolar disorder, including thickness of gray matter in key brain regions. The study's findings could be a major step toward identifying specific genes contributing to the illness.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that antidepressants are not effective in treating bipolar disorder. The study found no significant difference in response rates or remission for patients using antidepressants compared to placebo.
Researchers found similar disturbances in cortical circuit function between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with individuals with schizophrenia showing more severe abnormalities. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of circuit dysfunction across the disorders.
A study led by Dr. Elizabeth Osuch found a correlation between the activation of the putamen region in the brain and bipolar disorder symptoms. The discovery may lead to a definitive biological marker for differentiating between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that bipolar patients who binge eat are more likely to experience mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. In contrast, obese bipolar patients without binge eating were more prone to serious physical problems like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
A pioneering study demonstrates the benefit of MRI in identifying mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. The advanced imaging technique was able to correctly distinguish patients from healthy individuals with a high degree of accuracy, promising a new approach to diagnosis.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant mothers' exposure to the flu may quadruple their child's risk for developing bipolar disorder. The research suggests a potential shared underlying cause with schizophrenia, and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as flu vaccination.
The Lancet Series on bipolar disorder offers a comprehensive overview of the condition, including its genetic basis, diagnostic challenges, and treatment limitations. The series highlights the need for more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments, with neuroimaging research potentially transforming bipolar diagnosis.
A new University of Michigan Medical School study reveals that certain antipsychotic medications may help normalize the activity of genes involved in communication between brain cells. The research found similarities in gene expression patterns among patients treated with these medications and those without bipolar disorder, suggesting...
Researchers are exploring how lithium works in the body to develop a safer medication for treating bipolar disorder. They aim to create a second-generation successor without lithium's drawbacks, such as thyroid problems and kidney failure.
A large-scale study by Northwestern University researcher Katherine L. Wisner found that 14% of new mothers screened positive for depression, with many experiencing recurrent episodes of major depression. The study emphasizes the importance of prenatal and postpartum screening to prevent mental health issues in women and their infants.
A study found that family-focused treatment improved mood symptoms in children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder, with significant benefits for those from high expressed emotion families. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2013
Researchers used brain imaging technology to identify young people at risk of bipolar disorder, showing clear differences in brain activity when compared to controls. Young people with a genetic risk of bipolar displayed reduced brain responses to emotive faces, particularly fearful faces.
Patients with depressive disorders and borderline personality disorder have significantly higher unemployment rates than those without the condition. Persistent unemployment poses a significant public health burden, with 13.4% of patients missing up to two years or more from work.
A large genetic replication study found compelling evidence that the chromosome 3p21.1 locus contains a common genetic risk for bipolar disorder, specifically the PBRM1 gene. This replication distinguishes the heritable risk for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, contrasting with previous studies.
Researchers have identified genetic variations in genes associated with bipolar disorder I and II, providing new insights into the complex biochemical pathway involved. The study found associations between variants in PDE10A, DISC1, and GNAS genes and an increased risk of developing the mental illness.
The NCAN gene plays a major part in how manias manifest, being closely correlated with manic symptoms but not depressive episodes. Researchers found that knockout mice lacking the NCAN gene exhibited increased hyperactivity and reward-seeking behavior, responding well to lithium therapy.
A new study suggests pregnancy could have a positive impact on bipolar disorder, with fewer and shorter episodes in pregnant women. The study's findings call for large, multicenter, prospective studies to better understand the natural course of the disorder.
A new study by Dr. Inti Pedroso and colleagues has identified key genes and neural signaling pathways involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, provide insight into the complex biology of the disorder and highlight potential new avenues for treatment.
A study suggests that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. The findings indicate shared etiologic risk factors among ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found a link between increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The study suggests shared etiologic risk factors among these disorders, potentially leading to more similar understanding and treatment approaches.
Dr. Elizabeth Osuch has received a $100,000 grant to improve diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth through functional brain imaging. The average misdiagnosis often lasts 6-10 years and can lead to declining patient condition if treated with antidepressants.
A new project led by University of Michigan math professor Daniel Forger aims to understand how the brain's daily clock controls mood in humans and animals. The study uses mathematical modeling and experiments involving mice to examine the relationship between abnormal circadian rhythms and bipolar disorder.
A Rhode Island Hospital psychiatrist argues that lowering diagnostic threshold for bipolar disorder will lead to more false positives than true positives, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and treatments. This could have severe consequences for patients, including increased use of unnecessary medications.
Researchers have discovered a novel link between lithium and body clocks in treating bipolar disorder. Lithium salts increase the strength of clock rhythms, which may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.