Bipolar Disorder – Biological Factors And Treatment

Within the last few years there have been a lot of breakthroughs in the research in finding the true biological causes for bipolar disorder.  This research has helped in finding new treatments for this mental disorder.  While the exact cause of it is still unknown, there are several factors like, stress and genetic factors which are known to trigger this condition.

According to studies, the functioning of the brain of those affected with bipolar disorder differs in some areas, when compared to brain mapping of normal people.  The British research also confirmed that people with bipolar disorder also suffer from fast increasing shrinkage of their brains.  The imaging studies conducted over a period of four years found that there were losses of brain tissues in areas which controlled co-ordination, memory control and face recognition.

The role of micronutrients in maintaining our mental health is gaining significance, though its role in promoting overall health has been established.  Research has confirmed that an imbalance in nutrients will lead to mental illness and in reducing cognitive function.  The trials conducted on this so far have proved to be quite successful and the researchers are hoping that micronutrients will prove to be successful in restoring mental health without the usage of drugs.

The combined team of scientists from Britain and the United States has found two genes which are connected to bipolar disorder.  Professor Nick Craddock of the Cardiff University School of Medicine, who is leading this research, says that this finding has proved that it is just another disease like the heart disease and diabetes. Their research was conducted on ten thousand people, the largest of its kind, which included 4,300 people who had bipolar disorder.  This has put to rest the theory that it is a psychological illness.  New and better treatments can be produced based on this study, even though lithium is the best known treatment for this.

Lithium carbonate is among the first big breakthrough in the medication in treating bipolar disorder.  This medication prevents manic episodes and to keep off feelings of suicide and depression.  There are many anti psychotic medicines which have proved to be safe without any neurological effects.  They have been beneficial in the treatment of bipolar disorder, even in its simplest forms.

To help those with bipolar disorder, talk therapies are conducted which have proved to help them deal with their illness.  It is has been a way to find out about the history of the patient.  This treatment has proved to be quite successful.