Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

What Causes Bipolar Disorder? These 36 Genes Hold The Answer

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that affects an individual by experiencing extreme mood fluctuations, such as episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (an elevated or irritable mood state). The impact on daily life, relationships, and productivity can be quite devastating for the person suffering from it, if not treated. Though the prevalence is 40 to 50 million worldwide, it remains undiagnosed for years in most patients due to its complex presentation and often being misdiagnosed as depression.

This condition is thought to have substantial genetic contributions, with estimated heritability of between 60 and 80%. However, for a long time, the challenge has been to isolate specific genes that play a role in its development as a result of a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

For the first time ever, researchers, publishing in Nature, have discovered 36 genes whose presence is a strong indicator for bipolar disorder development. This significant, international, multi-center investigation was the biggest study of its kind to date, and helped shine a spotlight on the genetics behind bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is one of the more common <span>mental health</span> diseases and affects millions worldwide.

The study was conducted by the Bipolar Disorder Working Group under the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, which comprises more than 800 researchers from 40 countries. Among them were professionals from leading institutions such as IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic and Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Spain.

The researchers used information from genome-wide association studies for a meta-analysis involving more than 158,000 patients suffering from bipolar disorder and 2.8 million control subjects, free of this condition. All six inhabited continents were represented with this dataset-an unprecedented size-owing to which significant insights into bipolar disorder's genetics architecture could finally be obtained.

The results provided 337 genome-wide significant (GWS) variants which are grouped into 298 distinct regions of the genome. This is four times the number reported so far in any previous study. Further advanced genetic mapping provided the researchers an opportunity to better narrow these variants down to about 36 genes that are strongly associated with the disorder.

One of the most striking findings was the genetic difference between the two main subtypes of bipolar disorder—type 1 and type 2. Type 1 bipolar disorder, with more severe manic episodes, showed a stronger genetic correlation with schizophrenia. In contrast, type 2 bipolar disorder, with less severe manic episodes (hypomania), showed a closer genetic relationship with major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brain plasticity and signal transduction related variations were also seen to influence changes in neural circuitry as experienced in the development of the bipolar disorder; neurotransmitter signaling, notably in dopamine and serotonin, influences regulation of mood-which might directly be a player in these varied manifestations of this disorder.

This research involved participants of various ethnic and geographical backgrounds, thereby making the results more universally applicable than in most previous studies that were characterized by demographic homogeneity.

<h2>What Implications Does this Have with Bipolar Disorder Treatment?</h2>

"This study is a significant step forward in our knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder," said Dr. Eduard Vieta, head of the Psychiatry Service at Hospital Clínic and a key author on the paper. "Over time, these findings will open up the possibility of developing new treatments and deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of the disorder."

The identification of such genes and markers may be helpful in making leaps in personalized medicine. Targeting those genes, it may be possible to develop therapy that is both more effective and matched to the patient's genetic makeup. Moreover, knowledge of genetic differences between the subtypes may help in making diagnoses more accurate and subtype-specific intervention.

<h2>Facts and Misconceptions About Bipolar Disorder</h2>

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition caused by biological imbalances, particularly involving genetic and neurochemical factors. It involves the limbic system of the brain, the site of emotional regulation. People suffering from the condition experience these functions to become abnormal and then suddenly change with no apparent environmental stimuli. Bipolar Disorder: 

Despite its seriousness, myths abound. Bipolar disorder is not just a personality flaw, nor is it equivalent to dangerous or violent behavior. It is not a transient problem; rather, it requires life-long management through pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.

Even though the disorder is based on biology, environmental and psychological factors can also be triggers for episodes. Intriguingly, both good and bad events in life-such as promotions or personal losses- can trigger episodes, indicating how complex the relationship between biology and external circumstances might be.

The identification of these 36 genes is the crucial step toward unlocking the mystery of bipolar disorder. With a deeper understanding of its genetic structure, researchers are paving the way for novel treatments that could change the face of the therapy.

Further, the attention mental health is gaining around the world is why researches such as this one are of paramount importance to address public health challenges through genetic research. This discovery, in due course of time and more research, can bring about a future where bipolar disorder will not only be better understood but also more effectively managed to improve the lives of millions across the globe.

The discovery of 36 genes associated with bipolar disorder is another milestone for mental health research. This kind of study bridges the gap between genetic findings and clinical applications, making hope real in terms of more targeted treatments and a deeper understanding of the condition. As science progresses, so does the potential to transform the landscape of mental health care, reducing stigma and improving outcomes for those living with bipolar disorder.

<em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08468-9" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder.</a> Nature. 2025</em>

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Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that affects an individual by experiencing extreme mood fluctuations, such as episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (an elevated or irritable mood state). The impact on daily life, relationships, and productivity can be quite devastating for the person suffering from it, if not treated. Though the prevalence is 40 to 50 million worldwide, it remains undiagnosed for years in most patients due to its complex presentation and often being misdiagnosed as depression.This condition is thought to have substantial genetic contributions, with estimated heritability of between 60 and 80%. However, for a long time, the challenge has been to isolate specific genes that play a role in its development as a result of a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.For the first time ever, researchers, publishing in Nature, have discovered 36 genes whose presence is a strong indicator for bipolar disorder development. This significant, international, multi-center investigation was the biggest study of its kind to date, and helped shine a spotlight on the genetics behind bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is one of the more common mental health diseases and affects millions worldwide.The study was conducted by the Bipolar Disorder Working Group under the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, which comprises more than 800 researchers from 40 countries. Among them were professionals from leading institutions such as IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic and Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Spain.The researchers used information from genome-wide association studies for a meta-analysis involving more than 158,000 patients suffering from bipolar disorder and 2.8 million control subjects, free of this condition. All six inhabited continents were represented with this dataset-an unprecedented size-owing to which significant insights into bipolar disorder's genetics architecture could finally be obtained.The results provided 337 genome-wide significant (GWS) variants which are grouped into 298 distinct regions of the genome. This is four times the number reported so far in any previous study. Further advanced genetic mapping provided the researchers an opportunity to better narrow these variants down to about 36 genes that are strongly associated with the disorder.One of the most striking findings was the genetic difference between the two main subtypes of bipolar disorder—type 1 and type 2. Type 1 bipolar disorder, with more severe manic episodes, showed a stronger genetic correlation with schizophrenia. In contrast, type 2 bipolar disorder, with less severe manic episodes (hypomania), showed a closer genetic relationship with major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Brain plasticity and signal transduction related variations were also seen to influence changes in neural circuitry as experienced in the development of the bipolar disorder; neurotransmitter signaling, notably in dopamine and serotonin, influences regulation of mood-which might directly be a player in these varied manifestations of this disorder.This research involved participants of various ethnic and geographical backgrounds, thereby making the results more universally applicable than in most previous studies that were characterized by demographic homogeneity. What Implications Does this Have with Bipolar Disorder Treatment?"This study is a significant step forward in our knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder," said Dr. Eduard Vieta, head of the Psychiatry Service at Hospital Clínic and a key author on the paper. "Over time, these findings will open up the possibility of developing new treatments and deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of the disorder."The identification of such genes and markers may be helpful in making leaps in personalized medicine. Targeting those genes, it may be possible to develop therapy that is both more effective and matched to the patient's genetic makeup. Moreover, knowledge of genetic differences between the subtypes may help in making diagnoses more accurate and subtype-specific intervention.Facts and Misconceptions About Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder is a medical condition caused by biological imbalances, particularly involving genetic and neurochemical factors. It involves the limbic system of the brain, the site of emotional regulation. People suffering from the condition experience these functions to become abnormal and then suddenly change with no apparent environmental stimuli. Bipolar Disorder: Despite its seriousness, myths abound. Bipolar disorder is not just a personality flaw, nor is it equivalent to dangerous or violent behavior. It is not a transient problem; rather, it requires life-long management through pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.Even though the disorder is based on biology, environmental and psychological factors can also be triggers for episodes. Intriguingly, both good and bad events in life-such as promotions or personal losses- can trigger episodes, indicating how complex the relationship between biology and external circumstances might be.The identification of these 36 genes is the crucial step toward unlocking the mystery of bipolar disorder. With a deeper understanding of its genetic structure, researchers are paving the way for novel treatments that could change the face of the therapy.Further, the attention mental health is gaining around the world is why researches such as this one are of paramount importance to address public health challenges through genetic research. This discovery, in due course of time and more research, can bring about a future where bipolar disorder will not only be better understood but also more effectively managed to improve the lives of millions across the globe.The discovery of 36 genes associated with bipolar disorder is another milestone for mental health research. This kind of study bridges the gap between genetic findings and clinical applications, making hope real in terms of more targeted treatments and a deeper understanding of the condition. As science progresses, so does the potential to transform the landscape of mental health care, reducing stigma and improving outcomes for those living with bipolar disorder.Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder. Nature. 2025