Bipolar disorder: an update

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and is characterized by swinging moods. It affects both sexes equally in all age groups and its worldwide prevalence is approximately 3-5%. The clinical course of illness can vary from a mild depression to a severe form of mania. The condition has a high rate of recurrence and if untreated, it has an approximately 15% risk of death by suicide. It is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 years and is a burden on society and families. The pathophysiology of the disorder is poorly understood. However, a variety of imaging studies suggests the involvement of structural abnormalities in the amygdala, basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex. There are two main biological models that have been proposed for depression. These are called the serotonin and norepinephrine hypotheses. Multiple lines of evidence support both of them. It is a life-long disease and runs in families but has a complex mode of inheritance. Family, twin and adoption studies suggest genetic factors but the candidate susceptibility genes, which when mutated can account for a substantial portion of BPD patients, have not yet been conclusively identified. There have been an increasing number of new generation antidepressant drugs developed to treat BPD. However, lithium salt is only the drug that is most efficient in long-term preventive treatment and it also has an anti-suicidal effect. The condition can be well managed by physicians and psychiatrists along with family and patient education. Identification of risk genes in the future may provide a better understanding of the nature of pathogenesis that may lead to a better therapeutic target.