Comorbidities Common in Bipolar Disorder, May Have Genetic Link

(June 8, 2007) -- PITTSBURGH – While the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be disabling on their own, most patients with the condition also are afflicted with a variety of other psychiatric, substance use and physical disorders. These comorbid conditions can complicate treatment and diagnosis. Research findings on genetic links between bipolar disorder and other conditions and the incidence of such comorbidities will be presented at the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder and will be discussed at a press briefing at 1:15 p.m., Friday, June 8.

According to Allan H. Young, LEEF Chair, Depression Research, and professor of psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, people who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk for other psychiatric syndromes including anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with substance use. These psychiatric comorbidities, accompanied by medical comorbidities common in people with bipolar, including heart disease, cancer, endocrine disorders and autoimmune disorders, lead to complications, overall poor health and a decreased life expectancy.

Research presented by Willem A. Nolen, M.D., Ph.D., of the University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Netherlands, shows that genetic factors may play a role in the development of comorbidities in people with bipolar disorder. Researchers observed an increased prevalence of bipolar disorder among twins and parents and children with autoimmune thyroiditis. These findings indicate a genetic risk factor for the disease.

In Dr. Nolen’s study of people with autoimmune thyroiditis, they found that those who also had bipolar disorder had abnormalities in 21 mRNAs, which contain codes for inflammation, cell survival and cell death, among other things. If confirmed by further study, these findings could lead to new avenues for diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder and suggest that high rates of medical comorbidities can be explained by genetic factors.

Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Last updated: 06/07

Related Information:

• Researchers Make Great Leap in Understanding Bipolar Disorder
• Lithium Builds Gray Matter In Bipolar Brains, UCLA Study Shows
• How to Diagnose Bipolar and Similar Conditions
• Internal Body Clock Linked to Mania in Mice
• Record Gift To Fund New Center
• Diagnosing And Treating Bipolar Disorder
• Addictions and Dual Diagnosis - Conference Transcript
• Types of Bipolar Medications: Antidepressants and Antipsychotics
• Effects of Untreated or Undertreated Bipolar Disorder
• Is Bipolar Disorder A Biochemical Problem or Something That's Inherited?
• Researchers Identify Gene Involved in Bipolar Disorder
• Genetics of Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Have Similar Genetic Roots
• Bipolar Disorder Often Missed
• Finding Bipolar Disorder with MRI
• Just Diagnosed With Bipolar - A Guide
• Symptoms of Bipolar: Mania and Depression
• Early Warning Signs of a Relapse or Oncoming Episode
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• How to Manage a Manic Episode
• Bipolar Patients Show Differences in MRI
• Brain Damage From Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar FAQs - Answers All Your Basic Questions
• What Causes Bipolar Disorder??
• How to Diagnose Bipolar and Similar Conditions
• Bipolar Disorder in Children: How Common Is it?
• Bipolar is a Serious Psychiatric Condition
• How To Survive Bipolar Disorder
• Family-Focused Therapy Helps Bipolar Patients Cope

back to top ~ bipolar news index ~ send page to a friend