Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
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Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
954
Bipolar disorders.
Roger S McIntyre1, Michael Berk2, Elisa Brietzke3
1Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Lancet (London, England)
|December 6, 2020
Summary
Bipolar disorders are chronic conditions significantly impacting life expectancy and functioning. While genetics play a role, environmental factors and comorbidities are crucial for understanding and treating bipolar disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Genetics and Genomics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Bipolar disorders (BPI, BPII) are severe, chronic mental health conditions reducing psychosocial functioning and life expectancy.
- High heritability (70%) links bipolar disorder to other mental and medical conditions, with distinct genetic associations for BPI (schizophrenia) and BPII (major depressive disorder).
- Pathogenesis involves neuronal-glial plasticity, monoaminergic signaling, inflammation, cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction, influenced by childhood maltreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide primary care physicians with an overview of diagnostic, pathogenetic, and treatment considerations for bipolar disorders.
- To synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms, screening, and treatment of bipolar disorders.
- To highlight the importance of addressing comorbidities and psychosocial factors in managing bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing evidence on bipolar disorders.
- Analysis of genetic associations, pathogenetic pathways, and environmental influences.
- Evaluation of current pharmacological and psychosocial treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Depressive episodes significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders, despite mania defining BPI.
- Lithium remains a gold standard mood stabilizer; antipsychotics are effective for mania but not consistently for bipolar depression.
- Antidepressant use in bipolar disorder lacks strong efficacy evidence and may cause mood destabilization; access to effective treatments is limited globally.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of bipolar disorders requires addressing medical and psychiatric comorbidities, integrating psychosocial treatments, and involving caregivers.
- Primary care physicians play a vital role in screening, diagnosis, and management of bipolar disorders.
- Further research is needed to improve treatment accessibility and efficacy, particularly for bipolar depression.
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