Genetics of mood disorders--an overview. Part one

Mood disorders are severe and common psychiatric diseases with two main clinical forms: Bipolar disorder, type 1 (BP1), and Unipolar disorder (UP). This paper provides an overview of the Literature on genetics of BP1 and UP disorders. We described the problems of diagnostic definitions, and statistical methods for studying the genetic etiology of these disorders. Epidemiological and quantitative genetic studies are reviewed. Interactions of susceptibility genes and environmental factors in this disorders are also fundamental and has to be properly investigated. The understanding of genetic aspects of BP1 and UP disorders has benefited from recent findings with DNA markers. Therefore we also provide an overview of linkage and association studies that reveal several chromosomal regions, candidate genes and dynamic mutations which may play role in BP1 and UP disorders.