Psychobiological indices of bipolar mood disorder: future trends in nursing care

Recent research on the various biological indices of bipolar mood disorder reveals a complex framework for the understanding of this psychobiological disorder. Four major constructs emerge from the professional literature to form the basis of the current understanding of and approaches to bipolar disorder. The first construct is that of biological rhythms and mood disorders. From this perspective, time is considered as a biological dimension evidenced by biological rhythms. Disruption of certain internal circadian rhythms yields behavioral change and symptoms of psychobiological disequilibrium. Concepts inherent in this particular construct include sleep, effect of light on mood pattern, and possible biochemical indices of mood modulation such as melatonin or phenylethylamine. The second construct attempts to explore the linkage between biochemical brain function and aberrant mood behavior. This information bifurcates into two major categories: (1) effects of psychopharmacological substances on neurotransmitter synthesis and release; and (2) implications of dietary influences on neurotransmitter activity and the psychobiological ramifications of such activity on the clinical understanding of the behavioral disorder. An eclectic set of concepts form the third construct in the framework presented here. These concepts address other possible etiological or mitigating biological influences on bipolar mood states. Such influences include, but are not limited to, limbic seizure activity, neuroendocrine dysfunction, and organic substrates of bipolar states such as various malignancies. The final construct explores the role of genetics in either the predisposition to or the emergence of bipolar mood disordered states. This report will focus on a review of the aforementioned constructs, pointing to significant research and narrative professional publications. In addition, the presentation will address the application of the nursing process to psychobiological aspects of bipolar mood disorder, specifically circadian rhythmicity disturbance and dietary influences on neurotransmission.