Bipolar Biochemistry (Current Research)

1. Neurosciences on the Internet: Information on Human Neurological Diseases - Edited and maintained by Neil A. Busis, M.D. - A research site devoted to a variety of neurobiological disorders including a section devoted to affective disorders such as bipolar disorder.
   
   
2. Mood & High Glucose Metabolism - From The Edmonton Sun - 11/4/97 - New York; Reuters News Service - A short article or recent findings establishing a correlation between high glucose metabolism and mood lability.
   
   
3. Link Found Between Serotonin Transporter Gene And BPAD - "The serotonin transporter is also the main site of action of a variety of drugs used to treat clinical depression, such as fluoxetine (Prozac). The illicit drug MDMA (ecstasy) also acts on the serotonin transporter by releasing serotonin into the brain, causing a period of elation followed by depressive feelings as the drug wears off, an experience which has parallels to BPAD."
   
   
4. Brain Connections Online: -- At this Harvard site, US folks will find pointers to organizations that provide info on brain disorders. Listed are the names, addresses and states where one can find assistance and information on various brain disorders.
   
   
5. Imaging The Brain for Psychiatric Diagnosis -- Terence Ketter, MD., argues that the future of treatment for bipolar disorder will hinge largely on brain imaging as a major tool in the fight to understand the dynamics of this illness. Non-technical article. You must first register with Medscape before you can access this article. Register here. (Registration is free and one time only).
   
   

Bipolar Genetics (Current Research)

1. New Evidence for Genetic Cause of Manic Depression: An excellent article on recent genetic findings.
   
   
2. Research Continues on Bipolar Illness -- By Richard Sherer. This is a 1995 study containing much that remains currently relevant in the search for clues to BPD.
   
   
3. Genetics and Mental Illness - An easy to understand article giving an historical overview of the role genetics plays in mental illness. (Included is a section on Bipolar Disorder as well).
   
   
4. An Update on the Search for Genes for Bipolar Disorder - By: John R. Kelsoe, M.D. - This is a superb, if somewhat technical, article by a physician who has devoted over 10 years of his medical career to pursuing the genetic roots of manic depression. Highly reccommended
   
   
5. Scientists Close In On Multiple Gene Sites For Manic Depressive Illness - Found on the Pendy site, this is a fairly easy to read sketch of recent findings in the genetics of bipolar disorder.
   
   
6. Chromosomal Abnormalities and Bipolar Affective Disorder: Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome -- Article by: Demitri F. Papolos, MD, Sabine Veit, MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Robert Shprintzen, PhD, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. Is it possible that one's facial features can offer genetic clues about bipolar disorder? Read this article and find out for yourself--*New*. You must first register with Medscape before you can access the database. Register here. (Registration is free)
   
   
7. Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Information Page -- If you have additional questions regarding this syndrome so closely genetically hooked to bipolar disorder, then visit the Marchette's site.