Increased platelet intracellular calcium ion concentration is specific to bipolar disorder

Elevated intracellular Ca2+ signaling may be a marker of primary cellular hyperactivity that could contribute to comorbid conditions such as hypertension and neuronal apoptosis. Since lithium and carbamazepine attenuate increased [Ca2+]i, further research may demonstrate a correlation between normalization of [Ca2+]i and response to one of these medications, and further research may clarify whether a subgroup of patients may respond well to calcium channel antagonists.