Brain activity determines risk or resilience in people at high risk of bipolar disorder
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May 13, 2009
MedWire News: Researchers in the UK have identified differences in brain activity and structure that may explain why some people at high risk of bipolar disorder remain mentally healthy while others develop the mood condition.
It is estimated that up to 80% of the risk of developing bipolar disorder is genetic. However, although relatives of patients with bipolar disorder are at high risk of a range of mood conditions, around 60% remain mentally healthy.
Speaking at a meeting of the Biochemical Society in London, lead researcher Dr Sophia Frangou, from the Institute of Psychiatry in London, explained, "We know a lot about what makes people vulnerable to bipolar disorder, but most people who are at risk remain well.
"We wanted to find out what keeps them well."
To do this, Dr Frangou and team studied 227 members of 53 families affected by the mood condition.
Participants with and without bipolar disorder underwent brain imaging scans and cognitive tests designed to engage brain networks involved in emotional processing, decision-making, working memory and attention.
The researchers found that genetic risk of bipolar disorder was associated with overactivity within brain regions, such as the amygdala, that process emotion.
They also found that the function of another brain region, called the prefrontal cortex, differentiated those with bipolar disorder from those who were mentally healthy. Indeed, the function of the prefrontal cortex was normal in participants who remained mentally healthy, despite their genetic risk for bipolar disorder, while it was compromised in those who developed the disorder.
Although further research is needed to confirm the results, the findings suggest that it may soon be possible to advise people with a family history of bipolar disorder about their individual risk or resilience.
Dr Frangou concluded: “Being at risk of bipolar disorder does not mean that developing the illness is inescapable.
"We are closer now to identifying risk so that people can be better informed about life choices.
“Our research will help us personalise prevention and treatment strategies."
