6 Neuroendocrine. There is evidence that in bipolar disorder, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with neuroprogression, which can induce persistent changes in the HPA axis that lead to depression and more refractory bipolar episodes in adults.
For example, one of the most consistently identified genes is CACNA1C. This gene codes for a calcium channel subunit that affects amygdala processing of emotional events, which itself has been shown to be one of the central differences in brain function in bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects the thinner cortical gray matter in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions of both brain hemispheres, and also the hippocampus.
Thus, impaired executive function is consistently reported in the manic and depressed states of bipolar disorder, but appears to be highly sensitive to mood state and symptom/illness severity.
Mania is an episodic disturbance of mood, sleep, behavior, and perception. It is characterized by expansive, elated and/or irritable mood, increased energy, grandiosity, lack of sleep, impaired thinking, and poor judgment [1].
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
The Brain and Bipolar Disorder
Three brain chemicals -- norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin, and dopamine -- are involved in both brain and bodily functions. Norepinephrine and serotonin have been consistently linked to psychiatric mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Currently, doctors do not use brain images to diagnose bipolar disorder. However, as research advances, more evidence may help doctors use MRI scans or other imaging technology to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder.
What to know about TMS for bipolar. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves magnetic stimulation of the brain, which studies have shown may help improve symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD).
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and changes to the brain can be permanent. However, treatments for bipolar disorder, such as lithium, may have a “normalizing effect” on the brain. The author of a 2015 review concluded that the use of lithium or mood stabilizers is associated with increases in gray matter volume.
Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor.
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs, he says, can worsen your bipolar mood swings and lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors. As SAMHSA notes, substance use or withdrawal can cause symptoms attributed to bipolar disorder, including agitation, anxiety, paranoia, mania, or depression.
Schizophrenia & Bipolar Are Neurobiological Disorders - The Evidence : Mental Illness Policy Org.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
The most common misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder is major depressive disorder (MDD). The symptoms of major depression last for at least two weeks and can include: persistent feelings of sadness or low mood.
While brain scans cannot be used to diagnose bipolar disorder, they can show grey matter and amygdala activity. This information can help doctors understand how bipolar disorder affects the brain and how brain activity in those with bipolar disorder compares to those of others with a different mental health condition.
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.
Structural Differences
Studies have shown reduced gray matter in people with bipolar, and these deficits are most pronounced in the areas of the brain controlling inhibition and motivation—frontal and temporal regions.
In people with first-episode bipolar disorder, moderate to high quality evidence suggests small decreases in whole brain grey matter. In youth with bipolar disorder, moderate quality evidence found decreases in the left orbitofrontal cortex, right claustrum, and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
In those with bipolar disorder, the left portion of the amygdala appears to be less active and less connected with other areas of the brain than in those who suffer from depression. The study revealed an 80 percent accuracy in making the distinction.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
In bipolar depression imaging studies show increased dopamine transporter levels, but changes in other aspects of dopaminergic function are inconsistent.
Answer questions honestly. But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behavior personally.