[Cdnstargazer]

I was reading about causes of bipolar today. Sorry for spamming the board today, but I found this interesting.

I don't fully understand it- but I get the just of it.

Mitochondria are the parts of cells responsible for energy in our bodies. These links tell of Mitochondria being mutated and our genes being mutated slightly that may cause bipolar. It makes sense. Wouldn't this mean that bipolar is not only a mental illness, but a physical one as well?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010320/

Mitochondrial dysfunction in bipolar disorder: Evidence, pathophysiology and translational implications

Molecular Psychiatry - Mitochondrial dysfunction in bipolar disorder: evidence from magnetic resonance spectroscopy research

[bioChE]

It's already widely accepted that BP is a physical illness that deals with neurotransmitter imbalances, the manifestation of which is psychological. The evidence points toward a strong genetic link, which would mean the physical component is there.

Thank you for sharing

As far as I'm aware, no one in my family (either my actual family or extended) has any kind of mood disorder. Or if they do have a mood disorder, it's undiagnosed and/or I'm unaware of it. The only confirmed MI that runs in the genes is autism.

I guess I'm the weirdo who gets depression and stuff, but I suppose the genetic mutation has to start somewhere? I'm just the unlucky one. yay me!

[Wild Coyote]

Thank you for taking the time to share this info.

There's no doubt bipolar is biologically-based.
Questions remain as to just how/why.

I would not be at all surprised if there's a mitochondrial component.

Nor would I be surprised if a genetic mutation might be involved.


WC