[Bipolar disorders in the light of the latest findings in molecular genetics]

Bipolar disorders (BP) are characterized by episodes of mania or hippomania and depression. Although etiology of these psychiatric disorders is still unknown there is a lot of evidence suggesting that genetic component play an important role. In many centers all over the world systematic genome screenings were performed. As a result of these studies interesting findings on potential chromosomal regions harboring genes responsible for liability to BP disorders emerged. Significant findings need to be replicated in populations with different ethnical and cultural background. Currently independent B&H sample is being collected for family based association survey of genes potentially involved in BP disorder, type 1.