| Research into manic depression, more formally | | | | be classified as risk taking and less |
| called bipolar disorder, has been hindered, | | | | behavior traits that could be called |
| according to many in the scientific community | | | | despair-type behavior. These mice without |
| due to the lack of animal models upon which | | | | the GluR6 also displayed more aggressive |
| to base studies. | | | | behavior, another character trait of a manic |
| | | | episode of manic depression. |
| Until now that is. Scientists have been able | | | | |
| to create a genetically engineered defect in | | | | The scientists also administered biochemical |
| a specific gene which may play a leading role | | | | tests on these mice, the results of which |
| in causing mood disorders, like manic | | | | suggested that the GluR6 gene may also play a |
| depression. The gene is known as glutamate | | | | unique role in actually regulating some of |
| receptor 6 - referred to as GluR6 - and has | | | | the symptoms of mania. |
| long been associated with manic depression. | | | | |
| | | | Now that researchers have genetically |
| Scientists knew that the gene was related to | | | | engineered this type of laboratory mouse, |
| manic depression but were unsure of the exact | | | | they'll be better able to study manic |
| mechanism. Not only that, but the gene | | | | depression. This study also opens the door |
| encoding for the GluR6 receptor has not only | | | | for further studies that may very well lead |
| been linked to manic depression, but also to | | | | to new treatments. |
| the tendency of some individuals to consider | | | | |
| suicide while taking antidepressant drugs in | | | | Manic depression is a mental health disorder |
| a separate pharmacogenetic study. | | | | characterized by erratic swings in mood. |
| | | | Individuals with this health issue, most |
| Interestingly enough, individuals who suffer | | | | recently renamed bipolar disorder, are |
| with manic depression are the most | | | | subject not only to depression, but also |
| susceptible to antidepressant-induced states | | | | episodes of mania. These manic episodes |
| of restlessness. | | | | involve high energy expenditure, |
| | | | sleeplessness for several days sometimes, as |
| In the new study, scientists utilized mice to | | | | well as rapid speech, racing thoughts and |
| further examine the issue. The scientists | | | | feelings of grandiosity. Those individuals |
| used mice with the GluR6 gene missing, | | | | experiencing a manic episode may also display |
| comparing them to a control group of mice who | | | | psychotic behavior, such as hallucinations. |
| had the gene. | | | | |
| | | | Several mood stabilizing drugs are currently |
| Both groups of mice underwent a series of | | | | available for the treatment of manic |
| tests specifically created to imitate the | | | | depression. Individuals with manic |
| symptoms of manic episode of manic | | | | depression are also encouraged to take a |
| depression. The researchers discovered that | | | | series of behavioral therapy as well. |
| the mice with the Glu6R gene missing | | | | |
| displayed many of the symptoms of mania. | | | | For more resources regarding bipolar or even |
| | | | about symptom of bipolar disorder and |
| Not only were these mice more active in | | | | especially about bipolar medication please |
| several tests, they also displayed more | | | | review these pages. |
| anxiety and more behavior traits that could | | | | |