by Michele Marie Friend Metiva

Created on: January 02, 2009   Last Updated: September 14, 2009

'If a retrovirus inserts itself into the genes in the ovary (egg) or testicles (sperm), it is conceivable that this virus can then be passed down from generation to generation. Thus, a person could have been infected by a bipolar-causing retrovirus in the late 1800's and passed it down to all of their children, grandchildren, etc. The pieces of the bipolar and infectious agent puzzle are not yet complete and further research is necessary to clarify this aspect of bipolar disease.' Immunology and Bipolar Disorder Rashmi Nemade, Ph.D. & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D Copyright 2008 Reuters.

"Because it tends to run in families, scientists have been trying to pinpoint genes involved in bipolar disorder. This was the largest genetic analysis of its kind on the disease, which affects an estimated 1 percent to 3 percent of adults worldwide. The key importance of this is that it gives us a clear idea of the sorts of chemicals and mechanisms in the brain that are involved in bipolar disorder," Nick Craddock of Britain's Cardiff University, who helped lead the study, said in a telephone interview. Craddock said identifying the two gene variants probably will not be helpful in determining an individual's risk for the disorder because many who do not have the disease will have the genes.

The U.S. government's National Institutes of Health helped fund the research. Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, said the findings may help solve the puzzle that is bipolar disorder.
"It's not going to tell us the whole story - it doesn't give you the whole puzzle - but it's something to build on," Insel said in a telephone interview. Will Dunham Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 Copyright 2008 Reuters.

Bipolar Disorder is a biological mental disease. Genetically linked between family members and may be occurring throughout many generations. Usually only one member of an immediate family is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Other family members may be reluctant to admit their own symptoms, or will pass the symptoms on as a bad day. It is necessary to begin the realization that Bipolar Disorder affects other members of the family tree.

When Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed within your family tree, ask each member to seek as much information about the diagnosis as possible. Join forums, research the Internet, read as often as possible, and always question any ongoing symptoms you may be experiencing with your family physician.

Do not ignore treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Undiagnosed

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