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Author(s) -
Yatham Lakshmi N
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
bipolar disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1399-5618
pISSN - 1398-5647
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2005.00211.x
Subject(s) - bipolar disorder , neuroscience , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , dopamine , dopamine receptor , psychology , mania , neuroimaging , major depressive disorder , treatment of bipolar disorder , dopamine receptor d3 , psychiatry , medicine , bioinformatics , biology , cognition
Bipolar disorder is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, many aspects of this disorder remain poorly understood. It is likely that rapid advances in molecular genetics and neuroimaging will play a major role in advancing our understanding of bipolar disorder in future. Molecular genetics studies have already identified some candidate genes; for example, the BDNF, G72 and XBP1 genes, and chromosomal ‘hot spots’, which may confer a predisposition to development of bipolar disorder. Such advances may facilitate earlier, easier and more accurate diagnosis and provide novel targets for the treatment of this condition. Brain imaging studies using positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography have shown that reduction in brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 2 (5‐HT 2 ) receptors may be associated with prevention of or relief from depressive symptoms. Similarly, other imaging studies suggest that increased dopamine levels in the synapse mediate the symptoms of bipolar mania and that reduction in dopamine transmission through reduction in dopamine synthesis or blockade of dopamine D 2 receptors may be associated with antimanic effects. The ability of atypical antipsychotics to block both 5‐HT 2 and D 2 receptors and downregulate 5‐HT 2 receptors may explain how these drugs treat both the depressive and manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Although molecular genetics and imaging techniques are not yet used as clinical tools for bipolar disorder, they provide valuable data to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and should lead to new treatments and potentially episode prevention.