Advancements in the neuropathology of BPD

Question

New research posits interesting links between gene expression and regions of the brain and BPD (Bipolar Disorder).

Researchers from the Lieber Institute for Brain Development along with researchers from John's Hopkins School of Medicine have pointed to two different gene expressions possibly pointing to BPD.

Scientists looked at two specific areas - the amygdala and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex(sACC). These are both areas occupying the limbic system concerned with emotion and memory as well as several other functions.

The methodology is explained in the article given below. However, the outcome of the research was the realisation that miscommunication between neurons at the synaptic level (the gap over which information is passed between neurons) can influence BPD-like symptoms.

"This miscommunication manifests as severe swings in mood between depression and mania."

Link:

https://neurosciencenews.com/gene-expression-bipolar-disorder-20148/

Vera Eftimovska · Accepted Answer

Fascinating research on a terrible condition, and as always, great summary. Thanks, @Daniel Sumner.

We can’t deny the changes in the brain, but I’m still wondering about the causality. Do these changes appear first and cause the psychological symptoms or vice versa. Given the genetic predispositions, probably people would argue that it’s due to inherited genetic abnormalities. Still, chances are not all people who have this predisposition will develop BD.

Daniel Sumner · Answer

That's a really astute question, getting to the causality is notoriously difficult. My own opinion is that we again may get to a combination of nature and nurture, you need both to form the domino from which all others fall. But getting some sort of hint, clues to the process is never wasted even if the finding is not causal.

There's a huge range of interventions that suggests that diagnosis does not equal damnation. Instead, refined therapeutics may have to be developed. One day a genetic predisposition may be a 'so what' statement given the progress of medical and pharmaceutical interventions available at the time.

Thanks for sharing those points though. Always good to keep causality in mind.