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Families with severe form of bipolar disorder help scientists narrow the search for disease genes

Researchers studied 65 families with bipolar disorder and found strong genetic 'linkage' to specific regions on chromosomes 13 and 22, suggesting common genes contributing to both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These overlap genes may explain why the same anti-psychotic medications are effective treatments for both diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 1, 2003

Discovery that common mood disorders are inherited together may reveal genetic underpinnings

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that panic disorder and manic depressive (bipolar) illness are likely related genetically and share a common cause. The study analyzed 203 families with bipolar disorder and identified symptoms of major mood disorders in relatives, showing a strong genetic link between the conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2002

Difficult mood disorder successfully treated

A large-scale study has found lamotrigine to be safe and effective in preventing episodes of mood swings in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, showed that 41% of patients who received lamotrigine remained stable without relapse for six months, compared to 26% on placebo.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2000