You can now buy a commercial genetic test that claims to assess your risk of developing bipolar disorder. Genetic tests for major depression and schizophrenia are also expected to reach the market soon. However, although the suspects are numerous, the genes responsible for most brain disorders remain unknown. So, when it comes to commercial genetic tests, we just don’t know enough to make the tests useful, reports the May issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. [continue reading…]
Bipolar Disorder
Tamoxifen Treats Mania Faster than Some Standard Medications
The medication tamoxifen, best known as a treatment for breast cancer, dramatically reduces symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications for the mental illness, a new study shows. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) who conducted the study also explained how: Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called protein kinase C (PKC) that regulates activities in brain cells. The enzyme is thought to be over-active during the manic phase of bipolar disorder. [continue reading…]
© iStockphoto
Parents with bipolar disorder are taking part in a study that will give them the chance to follow a highly successful parenting skills programme.
Dr Steven Jones and Dr Rachel Calam at the University of Manchester’s School of Psychological Sciences assess the volunteers’ current mood and experiences of parenting with an online questionnaire before offering some of them help via an online version of the Triple P Positive Parenting Programme that featured on the ITV1 television series called ‘Driving Mum and Dad Mad’. [continue reading…]
