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For women with bipolar disorder, sleep quality affects mood

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 30, 2015

New picture, new insight

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2015

Survey finds benefits, risks of yoga for bipolar disorder

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 17, 2014

New findings out on brain networks in children at risk for mental disorders

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.

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2014

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2014

Higher risks among perinatal women with bipolar disorder

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 24, 2014

The Lancet Series on bipolar disorder

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 9, 2013

Do drugs for bipolar disorder 'normalize' brain gene function? U-M study suggests so

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...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBipolar Disorders·DateApr 11, 2013

Surprising rate of women depressed after baby

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2013

Replicating risk genes in bipolar disorder

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2012

Researchers decipher manic gene

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2012

Lawson researcher sings the baby blues

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.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2012

Making sense out of the biological matrix of bipolar 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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2012

Mount Sinai finds common factors in autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012