[Neurobiological principles of bipolar affective disorders]
B Baumann1, C Normann, H Bielau
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg. baumann@med.uni-magdeburg.de
Abstract:
The neurobiology of bipolar affective illness can be described in a model with structural and functional components, which also address the role of stressors, coping mechanisms, and psychophysical disposition. More data exist on depressive than on manic patients or on patients switching from one clinical pole to the other. Structural and functional chronobiological alterations appear to play a major role in the pathophysiology of bipolar illness. From an anatomical view, neurobiological abnormalities are primarily confined to limbic-striatal-pallidal-thalamocortical circuits. The whole cascade of neural signaling is changed starting from neurotransmitters and neuromodulators to receptor-mediated intracellular signal transduction targeting nuclear gene expression. Transnosological factors such as suicidal tendency appear to essentially modulate those changes. Replicated data on decisive neurobiological differences between bipolar and unipolar affective disorders are currently not yet available.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Depression: Overview
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
Bipolar Disorder
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...


