Can Blood Work Prove Bipolar Disease?

Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a genetically inherited mental condition that is characterized by severe mood swings. During a bipolar cycle, an individual will oscillate between episodes of mania, typified by feelings of euphoria, indestructibility and extreme energy, and episodes of deep depression. The age of onset for bipolar disorder is around 18-years-old, and it is most often treated with a regimen of anti-depressants and lithium. Bipolar disorder is not identified through blood tests.

Diagnosis

• Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that covers the patient's family history, emotional history and current state of mind.

Considerations

• While there is a significant genetic component to bipolar disorder, there is not enough specific information available to make blood testing an accurate method for diagnosing the condition.

Identification

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is caused by the mutations of several genes, not just one.

Features

• One of the genes identified as being involved in bipolar disorder is the Slynar gene, which is located on the brain chromosome number 12.

Effects

• A mutated Slynar gene was found in 10 percent of individuals who had been previous diagnosed with bipolar disorder through psychiatric evaluation.