Hello everyone! I recently read a new study which implicates new genes in bipolar disorder. Here's the details:
Two new gene regions that are connected with the prevalent disease have been discovered by an international collaboration of researchers. In addition, they were able to confirm three additional suspect genes.
The causes of the disease are not yet fully understood, however in addition to psychosocial triggers, genetic factors play a large role. "There is no one gene that has a significant effect on the development of bipolar disorder," says Prof. Dr. Markus M. Nöthen, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics of the University of Bonn Hospital. "Many different genes are evidently involved and these genes work together with environmental factors in a complex way."
Using automated analysis methods, the researchers recorded about 2.3 million different regions in the genetic material of patients and comparators, respectively. The subsequent evaluation using biostatistical methods revealed a total of five risk regions on the DNA associated with bipolar disorder. Two of these regions were newly discovered: The gene "ADCY2" on chromosome five and the so-called "MIR2113-POU3F2" region on chromosome six. The risk regions "ANK3," "ODZ4" and "TRANK1" have already been described in prior studies. "These gene regions were, however, statistically better confirmed in our current investigation -- the connection with bipolar disorder has now become even clearer," says Prof. Nöthen.
The researchers are particularly interested in the newly discovered gene region "ADCY2." It codes an enzyme which is involved in the conduction of signals into nerve cells. "This fits very well with observations that the signal transfer in certain regions of the brain is impaired in patients with bipolar disorder," explains the human geneticist of the University of Bonn Hospital. The actual biological mechanism behind bipolar disorder is still not completely understood, although it's likely related to impaired transmission of signals between neurons, as well as imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. With their search for genetic regions, the scientists are gradually clarifying the causes of manic-depressive disorder. "Only when we know the biological foundations of this disease can be also identify starting points for new therapies," says Prof. Nöthen. Source
This gives me hope that treatment for more than the symptoms of bipolar is on its way. Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Mindgames on ABC
Hello everyone! I apologize for my absence. I've had to step up and take care of my mother after her mascetomy. I've been doing all my folks laundry, cooking the meals, cleaning their house, getting their groceries, as well as taking care of my mother's drains and bandaging. It has been taking a toll on me. Honestly I don't know how much longer I can keep it up. I've already broken down twice to my counselor. But I'm an only child so I have to step up and help. No way around it.
Today I wanted to review a new show on ABC which features a main character with bipolar, Dr. Clark Edwards. The synopsis reads as follows:
"With a little bit of science, a dash of con-artistry, plus a smattering of Jedi mind tricks, brothers Clark (Steve Zahn) and Ross Edwards (Christian Slater) and can tailor a plan to influence any life-altering situation, thereby making their clients' dreams come true and their nightmares go away. They are partners in Edwards and Associates, an unusual business based on the belief that people's decisions are influenced by their environment in ways they're not aware.
A former university professor and world-renowned expert in the fields of human behavior, psychology and motivation, the frantic Clark has a checkered history, which stems from his bipolar disorder. Clark's academic career imploded when the university became aware he was having an affair with a 22-year-old undergraduate. He's still unable to reconcile losing the girl, and tries to focus his manic energy on Ross' new fortune-making plan.
Ross, a brilliant schemer recently out of prison after a two-year stint for fraud, has come up with a business model that he believes can make him and his team millions of dollars. The divorced, incurable ladies' man roiling with ideas, often confuses honesty with opportunism. Although his energy is infectious, his tactics can be questionable and his strategies border on the illegal. Now, if he can just keep his manic brother from going off the rails..."
I've watched both episodes and so far so good. I can definitely identify with Dr. Clark Edwards. It's nice to exhibit the brilliance and genius that comes along with bipolar disorder. In moments of mania he spins off the rails and I have definitely done that. Sometimes I too find it hard to control my reactions to situations. Often I find myself screaming in my head because I can't display what I'm feeling without looking totally nuts. For instance, I visit my grandmother regularly for hour visits and when I was there recently we had been there for close to two hours and I could barely stand it. I wanted/needed to get out of there. My anxiety builds and I can barely hold still. I began tapping my leg furiously and finally my father caught the hint and excused us to leave. It's hard to describe. I felt trapped and needed to leave immediately, but I couldn't shout in front of grandma, "I gotta get out of here!"
I'm curious whether or not Clark will ever get on a med regime though. His brother eluded to him trying to get back on meds and Clark blew him off saying taking the meds is like normally walking around with headphones with a soundtrack to life and having the headphones stripped away. I wish I could blow off taking my meds, but I have no idea how I would be off them. I've been on meds since 2010.
I would definitely suggest giving the show a watch. Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC. You can find the pilot and second episodes on the shows website: MindGames . If you have the time I'd suggest tuning into ABC at 9 for The Goldbergs too. It's a great show about growing up in the 80s. Hilarious comedy. Here's a link to the show's site: The Goldbergs .
Have a great day!
Today I wanted to review a new show on ABC which features a main character with bipolar, Dr. Clark Edwards. The synopsis reads as follows:
"With a little bit of science, a dash of con-artistry, plus a smattering of Jedi mind tricks, brothers Clark (Steve Zahn) and Ross Edwards (Christian Slater) and can tailor a plan to influence any life-altering situation, thereby making their clients' dreams come true and their nightmares go away. They are partners in Edwards and Associates, an unusual business based on the belief that people's decisions are influenced by their environment in ways they're not aware.
A former university professor and world-renowned expert in the fields of human behavior, psychology and motivation, the frantic Clark has a checkered history, which stems from his bipolar disorder. Clark's academic career imploded when the university became aware he was having an affair with a 22-year-old undergraduate. He's still unable to reconcile losing the girl, and tries to focus his manic energy on Ross' new fortune-making plan.
Ross, a brilliant schemer recently out of prison after a two-year stint for fraud, has come up with a business model that he believes can make him and his team millions of dollars. The divorced, incurable ladies' man roiling with ideas, often confuses honesty with opportunism. Although his energy is infectious, his tactics can be questionable and his strategies border on the illegal. Now, if he can just keep his manic brother from going off the rails..."
I've watched both episodes and so far so good. I can definitely identify with Dr. Clark Edwards. It's nice to exhibit the brilliance and genius that comes along with bipolar disorder. In moments of mania he spins off the rails and I have definitely done that. Sometimes I too find it hard to control my reactions to situations. Often I find myself screaming in my head because I can't display what I'm feeling without looking totally nuts. For instance, I visit my grandmother regularly for hour visits and when I was there recently we had been there for close to two hours and I could barely stand it. I wanted/needed to get out of there. My anxiety builds and I can barely hold still. I began tapping my leg furiously and finally my father caught the hint and excused us to leave. It's hard to describe. I felt trapped and needed to leave immediately, but I couldn't shout in front of grandma, "I gotta get out of here!"
I'm curious whether or not Clark will ever get on a med regime though. His brother eluded to him trying to get back on meds and Clark blew him off saying taking the meds is like normally walking around with headphones with a soundtrack to life and having the headphones stripped away. I wish I could blow off taking my meds, but I have no idea how I would be off them. I've been on meds since 2010.
I would definitely suggest giving the show a watch. Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC. You can find the pilot and second episodes on the shows website: MindGames . If you have the time I'd suggest tuning into ABC at 9 for The Goldbergs too. It's a great show about growing up in the 80s. Hilarious comedy. Here's a link to the show's site: The Goldbergs .
Have a great day!
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