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Gene mutation linked to bipolar disorder
Issue date: 12/4/08
Previous studies showed that people with bipolar disorder had lower levels of BDNF expression. An injection of BDNF worked like an antidepressant on rats and it is thought that the gene protects our neurons against stress-related damage.
"Several previous studies have suggested that variation in the gene BDNF may be associated with?susceptibility for developing bipolar disorder," Zandi said. "However, the findings are not entirely consistent."
Bipolar disorder was formerly referred to as manic-depressive disorder. It is classically characterized by cycling between major depressive episodes and manic episodes where the person experiences increased energy.
However, there are many variations in the length and severity of the episodes, from person to person and in a single person over time. The first major mood episode usually occurs around 20 years of age but can happen even into the 30s.
Although this study suggests a relationship between the BDNF gene and bipolar disorder, the data does not show conclusively that genetic variation causes the illness. It may be one of many risk factors.
"It is premature to suggest that testing of?the BDNF gene in families is important to determine one's risk of developing bipolar disorder," Zandi said.
"Further study is required to?demonstrate a causal relationship between the variation in this gene and risk of?bipolar disorder."
"Several previous studies have suggested that variation in the gene BDNF may be associated with?susceptibility for developing bipolar disorder," Zandi said. "However, the findings are not entirely consistent."
Bipolar disorder was formerly referred to as manic-depressive disorder. It is classically characterized by cycling between major depressive episodes and manic episodes where the person experiences increased energy.
However, there are many variations in the length and severity of the episodes, from person to person and in a single person over time. The first major mood episode usually occurs around 20 years of age but can happen even into the 30s.
Although this study suggests a relationship between the BDNF gene and bipolar disorder, the data does not show conclusively that genetic variation causes the illness. It may be one of many risk factors.
"It is premature to suggest that testing of?the BDNF gene in families is important to determine one's risk of developing bipolar disorder," Zandi said.
"Further study is required to?demonstrate a causal relationship between the variation in this gene and risk of?bipolar disorder."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Federico Valdivieso
posted 12/05/08 @ 6:00 PM EST
What is this article revealing that hasn't been known since 2002?
Journal article from 2002:
http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v7/n6/abs/4001058a. (Continued…)
Jeane Jaime
posted 12/05/08 @ 11:08 PM EST
My grandsons were diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and were prescribed the drug Ritlin. When the oldest one, Jared, was in his teens, he tried to commit suicide and he was diagnosed as bi-polar and given many different drugs. (Continued…)
Nicole
posted 1/14/09 @ 9:37 PM EST
I have found that i have a gene mutation mthfr that I cannot metabolize folic acid which can lead to bi polar symptoms for the last twelve years I have been on all types of medications out there none that ever helped me I finally found a doctor who truly cared to find the reason behind my symptoms. (Continued…)
microbilogy 1
posted 1/26/09 @ 2:50 AM EST
This is a very great article,
Finding out the polymorphism in neucleotide is great thing to relate the problem,
Keep it up will you write more on this topic. (Continued…)
Anti Wrinkle Creams
posted 3/25/09 @ 1:35 PM EST
Hopefully more awareness will be raised from articles like this one. I hate seeing people get messed up from prescription drugs.
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