Recent studies show that the brain cells of patients with bipolar disorder are more sensitive to stimuli than other people’s brain cells. “Researchers hadn’t all agreed that there was a cellular cause to bipolar disorder,” says Rusty Gage, a professor in Salk’s Laboratory of Genetics. “So our study is important validation that the cells of these … Read more
In searching for an alternative to Lithium, Dr. Andrew Stoll discovered that fish oil can operate in a similar way to lithium by stabilizing cell walls. A new study shows that omega-3s may not only be effective in treating patients with bipolar disorder and depression, but could also be effective for those who have early … Read more
Breaking the news of one’s diagnosis of a mental health issue to a new partner in a relationship is never an easy task. Some people might be hesitant to disclose their mental health statuses to their partners, viewing it as none of their business. But experts say if you have a mental illness, the question … Read more
MoodNetwork is the first online patient-powered research network for depression and bipolar disorder (mood disorders). MoodNetwork aims to bring together 50,000 participants who have experienced mood disorders, and their friends and families, to collaborate with researchers and clinicians. “Depression and bipolar disorder affect millions of people, but the treatments available, while helpful for many, are … Read more
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed class of medication for patients with Bipolar Disorder. For those suffering from Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder (about 25% of Bipolar patients), these medications may work to bring them out of a depressive episode. However studies show that they may also increase the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive … Read more
Studies show that nearly 40%-45% of bipolar patients do not take their medication as prescribed. There are multiple reasons for this issue, some patients miss the euphoric “high” that can come with a manic episode, while many others stop medication when they feel “better” as they no longer think they need it… This problem can … Read more
Bipolar disorder is very often misdiagnosed as depression as they share many of the same symptoms in patients. A new study by researchers in China suggests that certain biomarkers appearing in a urine test could help to differentiate between depression and bipolar disorder. Click here to read the full article
A different type of MRI has given researchers an unprecedented look at previously unrecognized differences in the brains of people with bipolar disorder, a new study from the University of Iowa reports. Specifically, the findings reveal differences in the white matter of patients’ brains and in the cerebellum, an area of the brain not previously … Read more