A review (Harrison et al, 2018) gives us some clues to the neurobiology of BD which has been a bit stagnant and relied on various definitions.
Genetically speaking -
The review points out that a child with one affected parent has about a tenfold increase of developing BD.
No specific gene has been localised, rather there appears to be multiple areas where BD might be influenced by gene expression. A couple of genes have been of interest and something is known of their functions: CACNA1C and ANK3.
The research has provided some evidence that BD is in part due to faulty calcium signalling.
More on calcium signalling and the import of it can be found within the article.
Phenotype manifestation of symptoms
Other research has focused on the abilty to diagnose and observe the symptomology of BD. Wearable tech, email, and interview techniques have allowed a suspected BD diagnosis to take place over time. Smartphone tech also aids in monitoring physiological measures such as heartrate, blood pressure etc.
Mood instability is a frequent marker in textbooks but as the article mentions, this is oversimplified as many psychiatric disorders influence mood and create instability.
The measures above creates the nuanced picture of BD that is very much needed.
The article has lots of additional info, but is well worth reading for the current understanding.
A review (Harrison et al, 2018) gives us some clues to the neurobiology of BD which has been a bit stagnant and relied on various definitions.
Genetically speaking -
The review points out that a child with one affected parent has about a tenfold increase of developing BD.
No specific gene has been localised, rather there appears to be multiple areas where BD might be influenced by gene expression. A couple of genes have been of interest and something is known of their functions: CACNA1C and ANK3.
The research has provided some evidence that BD is in part due to faulty calcium signalling.
More on calcium signalling and the import of it can be found within the article.
Phenotype manifestation of symptoms
Other research has focused on the abilty to diagnose and observe the symptomology of BD. Wearable tech, email, and interview techniques have allowed a suspected BD diagnosis to take place over time. Smartphone tech also aids in monitoring physiological measures such as heartrate, blood pressure etc.
Mood instability is a frequent marker in textbooks but as the article mentions, this is oversimplified as many psychiatric disorders influence mood and create instability.
The measures above creates the nuanced picture of BD that is very much needed.
The article has lots of additional info, but is well worth reading for the current understanding.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166223617302126
Genetics: bipolar disorder runs in family.
Chemical imbalance in brain can also cause it.
Triggers: like physical and sexual abuse, breakup, losing someone and etc.