Narrowing the Search for the Cause of Bipolar Disorder

"What Causes Bipolar Disorder?" We’ve all asked this question at some time. Unfortunately there is no straight answer to this question … yet. One theory is the diathesis-stress model, which is actually applied to many diseases and conditions. The basic idea is that a person inherits a genetic vulnerability to a disease and then a trigger -- or more likely multiple triggers -- in your life brings the disease out. We discuss this theory in detail in the article linked above.

Research continues to find evidence that supports this theory. A consortium of research teams led by Nick Craddock of Cardiff University in Wales and Pamela Sklar of the Massachusetts General Hospital has been searching for genetic variants predisposing people to bipolar disorder. From a study pool of 4,000 patients with bipolar disorder, they have been able to identify two genes that put new emphasis on a possible cause of the disease. Nicholas Wade with the New York Times reports that the "Gene Hunt Hints at Cause of Bipolar Disorder".