Researchers in the UK have identified differences in brain activity and structure that may explain why some people at high risk for bipolar disorder remain mentally healthy while others develop the mood condition.

Speaking at a meeting of the Biochemical Society in London, lead researcher Sophia Frangou, from the Institute of Psychiatry in London, explained: “We know a lot about what makes people vulnerable to bipolar disorder, but most people who are at risk remain well.

“We wanted to find out what keeps them well.”

As up to 80% of the risk for developing bipolar disorder can be attributed to genetic factors, Frangou and team studied 227 members of 53 families affected by the mood condition.

Participants with and without bipolar disorder underwent brain imaging scans and performed cognitive tests designed to engage brain networks involved in emotional processing, decision-making, working memory, and attention.

The researchers found that genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder was associated with abnormalities in response inhibition in the amygdale, regardless of clinical phenotype.

They also found that disease expression was associated with increased emotional reactivity and reduced prefrontal modulation of limbic structures, while resilience was associated with preserved prefrontal function.

Although further research is needed to confirm the results, the findings are promising in terms of refining and individualizing risk indicators for mood disorders, said Frangou.

She concluded: “Being at risk of bipolar disorder does not mean that developing the illness is inescapable.

“We are closer now to identifying risk so that people can be better informed about life choices.

“Our research will help us personalize prevention and treatment strategies.”

MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Current Medicine Group, a part of Springer Science+Business Media. © Current Medicine Group Ltd; 2009

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