The neurobiology of bipolar disorder.
The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is reviewed. Bipolar disorder is associated with alterations in central nervous system (CNS) function from the level of large-scale brain circuits to intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. Because of the broad spectrum over which these abnormalities appear, the causative effects are most likely present in the lowest common denominator of all of these systems. Current evidence points to subtle alterations in signal transduction that reverberate downstream both intra- and extracellularly to produce the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Berns
Gregory S
GS
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Universitiy School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. gberns@emory.edu
Nemeroff
Charles B
CB
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000502:physiology; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology