Brain Chemistry
Research strongly supports an imbalance of brain chemistry as the cause of bipolar disorder (manic depression). The resources here present the findings and theories of this ongoing research.
Lithium & Gene Expression: The Research Continues
The efficacy of Lithium in reducing mania and stabilizing mood is well studied and documented. However, characteristics of Lithium that make it medically effective are not fully understood … yet. A research team identified genes whose activity appears to be switched on by lithium, suggesting more direct targets for drugs to treat bipolar disorder.
The efficacy of Lithium in reducing mania and stabilizing mood is well studied and documented. However, characteristics of Lithium that make it medically effective are not fully understood … yet. A research team identified genes whose activity appears to be switched on by lithium, suggesting more direct targets for drugs to treat bipolar disorder.
Evidence of Brain Chemistry Abnormalities
Press Release: University of Michigan researchers find evidence of brain chemistry abnormalities in bipolar disorder. 30% higher concentration of certain signaling cells may help explain and treat manic depression.
Press Release: University of Michigan researchers find evidence of brain chemistry abnormalities in bipolar disorder. 30% higher concentration of certain signaling cells may help explain and treat manic depression.
The "Kindling" Model in Bipolar Disorder
Can lack of treatment for bipolar disorder cause rapid cycling? Can stress lead a person at risk for manic depression into spontaneous mania or depression? The theory of kindling says yes.
Can lack of treatment for bipolar disorder cause rapid cycling? Can stress lead a person at risk for manic depression into spontaneous mania or depression? The theory of kindling says yes.
The Kindling Model Revisited
While the Kindling Model has generally been accepted as an explanation for the progression of bipolar disorder over the life time, recent research indicates otherwise.
While the Kindling Model has generally been accepted as an explanation for the progression of bipolar disorder over the life time, recent research indicates otherwise.
Messengers of the Brain
Containing the illustrated story "GABAs in the 'Hood," this article explains how neurotransmitters work in easy-to-understand terms. These brain chemicals determine how you think, move and feel, and if they aren't working right, how things can go wrong.
Containing the illustrated story "GABAs in the 'Hood," this article explains how neurotransmitters work in easy-to-understand terms. These brain chemicals determine how you think, move and feel, and if they aren't working right, how things can go wrong.
The Antidepressant Waiting Game
Depression Guide Nancy Schimelpfening goes over the basics of brain chemistry and talks about the major players that affect depression. Has a very nice illustration.
Depression Guide Nancy Schimelpfening goes over the basics of brain chemistry and talks about the major players that affect depression. Has a very nice illustration.
Biochemistry of Neurotransmitters
Excellent technical discussion of neurotransmitters. Table of Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Transmission, Neuromuscular Transmission, Neurotransmitter Receptors, Acetylcholine, Cholinergic Agonists and Antagonists, Catecholamines, Serotonin, and GABA.
Excellent technical discussion of neurotransmitters. Table of Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Transmission, Neuromuscular Transmission, Neurotransmitter Receptors, Acetylcholine, Cholinergic Agonists and Antagonists, Catecholamines, Serotonin, and GABA.
Biologists Ponder...
"Just as clogged phone lines or misrouted signals can slow down or lock up a computer, misplaced molecules and malfunctioning nerve cells can slow down, confuse or lock up the mind."
"Just as clogged phone lines or misrouted signals can slow down or lock up a computer, misplaced molecules and malfunctioning nerve cells can slow down, confuse or lock up the mind."
The Brain Scan
Neuroimaging could complement, or replace, the psychiatrist's conventional tools of diagnosis and treatment, but it will take a few more years of research.
Neuroimaging could complement, or replace, the psychiatrist's conventional tools of diagnosis and treatment, but it will take a few more years of research.
Glossary
This is a nice short glossary of terms used when talking about neurotransmitters. You will need to know, though, that "presynaptic" describes the cell that sends a message, and "postsynaptic" describes the cell receiving the message.
This is a nice short glossary of terms used when talking about neurotransmitters. You will need to know, though, that "presynaptic" describes the cell that sends a message, and "postsynaptic" describes the cell receiving the message.
How Antipsychotics (Probably) Work
Excellent simplified discussion of how neurotransmitters operate and of the role of dopamine in schizophrenia. Concludes with material showing projections for staying well with and without continuing antipsychotic medication therapy for up to five years.
Excellent simplified discussion of how neurotransmitters operate and of the role of dopamine in schizophrenia. Concludes with material showing projections for staying well with and without continuing antipsychotic medication therapy for up to five years.
John Hopkins Epidemiology Genetics Program
"The mission of our research program is to help characterize the genetic (biochemical), developmental, and environmental components of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia."
"The mission of our research program is to help characterize the genetic (biochemical), developmental, and environmental components of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia."
The Nervous System
Fairly comprehensive look at nerves, neurons, neurotransmission and a whole lot more. Understandable for those who have taken high school biology.
Fairly comprehensive look at nerves, neurons, neurotransmission and a whole lot more. Understandable for those who have taken high school biology.
Neurotransmission
Very nice simplified explanation of the process of neurotransmission.
Very nice simplified explanation of the process of neurotransmission.
Neurotransmission Animated Movie
1.4 MB movie showing the movement of neurotransmitters.
1.4 MB movie showing the movement of neurotransmitters.