Bipolar Disorders - Causes and Treatments

Bipolar disorders

Contrary to popular belief, bipolar disorder is technically not a disorder. Rather, it is a family of many different disorders. The most common of these is Cyclothymic disorder, which triggers chronic mood swings. Also common is it’s �little brother’, cyclothymia, which is a much less severe form of Cyclothymic disorder in which the mood swings are less severe but much more frequent and sudden. (Colman) These swings are labeled mood episodes. A mood episode is a period of a week or more of abnormally high or low emotion, usually to an uncontrollable degree. During these mood swings, a minimum of three symptoms must occur to be considered in the family of bipolar disorders. These symptoms may include high self-esteem, a severe decrease in need for sleep, increased talkativeness, inability to focus, or involvement in risky behavior, more so than is usual for the individual. (Evans) In addition to mental influences, such as past abusive relationships, bipolar disorders can be caused by physical triggers such as certain diseases, or genetic relationships to those affected by a bipolar disorder.

Genetic Influences

Genetics play a huge role in the development of bipolar disorders. According to Evans, “the most consistent risk factor for bipolar disorders is family history.” If one is related to someone with bipolar disorder, they are more than 30% more likely to develop the disorder than a person with no relatives having the disorder (Goodwin). There are many hypotheses concerning the link in genetics to bipolar disorders, however very few have been shown to be true.

One of the genetic traits that can be carried down is a difference within the brains of Bipolar disordered people involving the white matter tracts in the superior and inferior lobe that appear to be carried down from parent to child. White matter carries nerve impulses through the brain to different nerve centers in the grey matter of the brain. With too much or too little white matter, the signals can become jumbled within the brain, triggering the wrong nerves and sending incorrect signals to the rest of the body. This can cause several bipolar disorders, as well as schizophrenia and other mental illnesses and disorders. According to Frazier’s studies, the white matter material in the superior lobe of the brain is decreased, while in the inferior lobe, it is increased This is jumbling nerve signals, and is thought to cause the rapid mood swings in bipolar disorder, as will as the sudden changes in the personality of a schizophrenic.

To resolve this, some scientists are looking for the actual gene that controls the white matter in this area of the brain. If they determine which gene is causing the abnormalities in white matter, they may be able to treat the disorder directly. Other scientists are looking to the area of surgery and laser technology to simply correct the problems. They are hoping to simply remove or implant additional unneeded white space in order to prevent the disruption of nerve signal. While both of these ideas are being actively pursued, much more research is needed before either option could become a possibility, and scientists do not foresee an answer any time in the near future.

Borna Disease Virus

Borna Disease Virus, also called вЂ?Sad Horse Disease’, is defined as “An RNA virus, transmitted through saliva and nasal secretions, causing neurological disorders in a wide range of species, and in humans, appearing to be associated with bipolar disorders” (Colman). Borna Disease Virus, when contracted, causes certain psychological changes that can manifest in a variety of mental disorders, including those in the family of bipolar disorders. While the disease can be treated with a variety of anti-viral drugs and partial recovery is possible, the mental aspects of Borna Disease Virus are irreversible. (Colman) Once established, a bipolar disorder is treatable, but it can never be fully cured.

While it is not clear exactly how Borna Disease Virus affects the brain, it is thought that the antibodies produced to fight the virus, when circulating through the brain, may also disturb nerve signals, again sending erroneous signals to the rest of the body and brain. This may also explain why Borna Disease Virus can cause so many disorders, including diseases such as Parkinson’s syndrome and others, because it affects every part of the brain (Bode).

Borna Disease Virus can be treated with a variety of anti-viral drugs. Included in these are a drug called Amantadine, which is especially helpful due to it’s second use as a powerful antidepressant