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