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Updated: May 8, 2026
04:42
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
One-carbon metabolism and bipolar disorder
Ji Hyun Baek1, Emily E Bernstein, Andrew A Nierenberg
11Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Folate supplementation may improve bipolar disorder treatment. Genetic factors like MTHFR gene variants can influence effectiveness. Active folate forms may offer benefits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Folate is a crucial nutraceutical for mood disorder treatment.
- Folate metabolism plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and homocysteine regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review folate metabolism and its connection to bipolar disorder.
- Evaluate the therapeutic potential of folate in managing mood disorders.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search of PubMed and Cochrane Library up to 2012.
- Reviewed background information, proposed mechanisms, and clinical trial results.
Main Results:
- Folate deficiency, potentially linked to MTHFR gene variants, is associated with mood disorders.
- Mood stabilizers may interfere with folate metabolism.
- Folate shows efficacy in treating depression and mania.
Conclusions:
- Folate augmentation may be effective for bipolar disorder.
- MTHFR gene variants may affect folate treatment outcomes.
- Biologically active folate could address deficiencies and improve outcomes.
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