Neurophysiology of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects millions of Americans on a daily basis and is misunderstood by many. Often, loved ones will pull away from the bipolar person out of discomfort, misunderstanding and ignorance. The disorder warrants knowledge of its neurophysiology in an effort to understand its effects.

Frontal Lobe

• Molecular psychiatry states that the bipolar brain has abnormalities in the prefrontal cortical areas, the area of the brain directly related to emotions.

Limbic Activity

• According to the National Institute of Health, the bipolar brain experiences increased limbic activity, the firing of one neuron in the brain to another.

Other Abnormalities

• Other abnormalities found in the bipolar brain consist of the cerebellar vermis, a worm-like structure found between the two hemispheres of the brain as well as the lateral ventricles, larger in the bipolar brain.

What is the Amygdala?

• Dr. Rhawn Joseph states, "The amygdala is concerned with all aspects of emotion, including fighting, fleeing, feeding, and fornicating." Thus the amygdala is greatly concerned with emotional behavior and stereotyped emotional movements.

Tips

• Bipolar disorder's neurophysiology requires the use of medication in an effort to control mood swings and emotional irregularities. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, see a physician.