Bipolar Disorder - genetically transmitted throughout family members

'If a retrovirus inserts itself into the genes in the ovary (egg) or
testicles (sperm), it is conceivable that this virus can then be passed
down from generation to generation. Thus, a person could have been
infected by a bipolar-causing retrovirus in the late 1800's and passed
it down to all of their children, grandchildren, etc. The pieces of the
bipolar and infectious agent puzzle are not yet complete and further
research is necessary to clarify this aspect of bipolar disease.'
Immunology and Bipolar Disorder Rashmi Nemade, Ph.D. & Mark
Dombeck, Ph.D Copyright 2008 Reuters.

"Because it tends to run in families, scientists have been trying to
pinpoint genes involved in bipolar disorder. This was the largest
genetic analysis of its kind on the disease, which affects an estimated
1 percent to 3 percent of adults worldwide. The key importance of this
is that it gives us a clear idea of the sorts of chemicals and
mechanisms in the brain that are involved in bipolar disorder," Nick
Craddock of Britain's Cardiff University, who helped lead the study,
said in a telephone interview. Craddock said identifying the two gene
variants probably will not be helpful in determining an individual's
risk for the disorder because many who do not have the disease will
have the genes.

The U.S. government's National Institutes of Health
helped fund the research. Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the NIH's
National Institute of Mental Health, said the findings may help solve
the puzzle that is bipolar disorder.

"It's not going to tell us the whole story - it doesn't give you
the whole puzzle - but it's something to build on," Insel said in a
telephone interview. Will Dunham Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 Copyright 2008
Reuters.

Bipolar Disorder is a biological mental disease. Genetically linked
between family members and may be occurring throughout many
generations. Usually only one member of an immediate family is
diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Other family members may be reluctant
to admit their own symptoms, or will pass the symptoms on as a bad day.
It is necessary to begin the realization that Bipolar Disorder affects
other members of the family tree.

When Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed within your family tree, ask each
member to seek as much information about the diagnosis as possible.
Join forums, research the Internet, read as often as possible, and
always question any ongoing symptoms you may be experiencing with your
family physician.

Do not ignore treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Undiagnosed and untreated Bipolar Disorder is
very harmful to everyone's psychological well being. Self-medication of
Bipolar Disorder issues that are not treated include drug abuse,
alcoholism, cutting, stealing, verbal abuse of loved ones, forms of
physical violence, arguing or fighting with family and friends.
Self-medication may even lead to criminal behavior or suicidal thoughts
and/or actions.

Family members that exhibit symptoms of Bipolar Disorder should
immediately contact a professional clinician. If you suspect any family
member showing signs of any mental health issue, speak with all other
members of the immediate family and create a setting to discuss the
issue once you are prepared with research and facts. Get them to
discuss the issues with their family physician.

In a case where harm to themselves or any other person becomes a
threat, it is then an emergency and the local police need to become
involved. The police or local fire departments are trained to handle
emergency mental health problems that may arise. This would be a
tough-love situation, yet it would begin the well-deserved treatment
for the patient, and put an end to the self-medicating and begin the
true treatment of medication and therapy.

Help for any Mental Health Issue is available online at any of the
following websites: WebMd, Mentalhelp.net, NAMI-National Association of
Mental Illness, NIH-National Institutes of Health, your neighborhood Guidance Centers, and any hospital Emergency Room.

Remember, Mental Illness is a disease. One should never be
embarrassed to seek help or to realize that mental illnesses need
treatment just as physical illnesses.

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