Bipolar Disorder Survivor Blog

Business Building, Partners, Kids, Pools, and Friends

Bipolar Top Sites

Bipolar Top Sites

Genetic Breakthrough for Bipolar Disorder

In what amounts to a scientific breakthrough a combined team of scientists from Britain and the United States have located two genes linked to bipolar disorder. Professor Nick Craddock, of Cardiff University's school of medicine, who lead the research says, "the findings will help people to avoid saying bipolar is just the way some people are, or that they should be able to control it . . . it puts it on a parallel with other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes."

In one of the largest research projects of its kind, genes from more than 10,000 people, including 4,300 with bipolar disorder were examined, constituting a review of around 1.8 million genetic variations. The research team then identified that people with bipolar disorder were significantly more likely to have variants of the ANK3 and CACNA1C genes. These genes help to make proteins that control the flow of calcium and sodium ions that move in and out of nerve cells.

The ANK3 gene has a role in controlling the activity of cells whereas the CACNA1C gene is responsible for channels that control calcium flow from the brain. Normal brain function relies on a delicate balance of sodium and calcium. "The brain operates according to how quickly calcium and sodium are going in and out of cells and how much of it goes in and out," Craddock said.

The study, reported in the journal of Nature Genetics, is not expected to be helpful in determining risk for the disorder. Many people have the genes but do not have bipolar disorder. What the findings do achieve is they put to rest the notion that bipolar is purely psychological in nature. The fact that the disorder can now be identified as physiological will also help to provide a focus for future research and give direction to new treatments. Although lithium is known to help, it only achieves benefits for two-thirds of people and can cause weight gain and shakiness.

In an upbeat assessment of work to date and speaking to journalist Madeline Brindley of the Western Mail, Professor Craddock stated:

"When the research team can identify bipolar as an illness, like any other caused by a genetic predisposition, the stigma and discrimination faced by people with bipolar may finally be able to become a thing consigned to the history books."

Learn, Laugh, Cry

Symphony of Bipolar

A totally original take on mental illness

Learn, Laugh, Cry

Music, dance, song, Bipolar disorder lecture

Mood through Art, mood manifested

8.27.2010 7pm

Sunshine Brooks Theater New Vision Theater Company

217 North coast Highway

Oceanside, CA

Purchase Tickets Online or at Box Office

http://symphonyofbipolar.eventbrite.com/

email hopeisunlimited@gmail.com

Part of each ticket donation goes to a local

Bipolar support group called Bipolar Hope

Thereisbipolarhope.blogspot.com

Support Group Meeting for Bipolar Community July 29th@7pm

3343 Adams Avenue Lestat's Coffee--There will be a Greeter out front with name tag on so you know where we are sitting!You may have more control over your condition than you think. It is possible for people with disabilities to lead healthy and meaningful lives.

Let us remember that the core purpose of the group is to provide a safeplace for patients with the bipolar condition to learn from each other.

We deserve a friendly place to be ourselves and share openly and honestlywhat we are going through. It is ok to be yourself at the BiPolarSupport Group!

All are welcome at the Bipolar Support Group The Groupstrives to create an environment of healing and tolerance. Share yourexperience and give your personal input, meet other patients,caregivers, friends and family of the San Diego mental healthcommunity!

This a relaxed place to make new friends, share yourstory with others who care and want to
listen.

Lestat's -----3343 Adams Avenue 92116

Symphony of Bipolar at the Sunshine Brooks Theater August 27th at 7pm

Come see a totally original take on mental illness.Actors, Speakers, Musicians, Singers all interpret mood through their art. Scenes of mania, scenes of despiar. Songs of illness, songs of life. Notes that linger on like a winter melancholy. Notes that carry you away to a safe place.

There is more to Bipolar than just moodswings and some ups and downs. During an Evening with Aaron Klein you will learn to identify triggers which cause emotional upsets, as well as manage mood swings with changes in sleep, diet, exercise, and enviroment. You will learn about side effects of popular prescription drugs to treat this disorder, and natural therapies now available.

You will be able to help care for a loved one or fa...mily member with these simple guidelines as well as recognizing when hospitalization may be in order. Aaron Klein will talk about BiPolar Disorder in an insightful, loving, and humorous way.

My name is Aaron Klein. I know what it is like to suffer with the bipolar condition. I have been there. I have been through hundreds of hours of therapy. I have taken therapeutic drugs for the last ten years. I struggled for many years because of the Bipolar Disorder. I am excited to share what I have learned about managing moods, overcoming depression, and improving the quality of my life in many ways.

You may have more control over your condition than you think. It is possible for people with disabilities to lead healthy and meaningful lives.

This is a powerful story of transfomation. It is a story of ego and esteem, arrogance, and confidence, entitlement, and purpose, death, immortality of spirit, love and nurturing. It is a story that will reach the inner child.

The ongoing mission of the New Vision Theatre Company is to enhance and enrich the lives of the residents of Oceanside and the surrounding communities through all aspects of live theatre and become a forum for original plays, music and cultural performances ... providing an outlet for creative talent. As a non-profit organization ... we seek volunteers for marketing, publicity, acting, costuming and other aspects of theatre.
New Vision Theatre Company supports the revitalization of downtown Oceanside and we believe that the our home in the historic Sunshine Brooks Theatre will contribute much to that effort. We welcome your inquiries on our progress and our upcoming productions. Thank you!

A bipolar condition Support Group for patients, family, friends, community!

Next BiPolar Patient Support Meeting

Thursday July 22nd at 7pm

Theme of Meeting: Learning from Each Other

Lestat's Coffee--There will be a Greeter out front with name tag on so you know where we are sitting!

You may have more control over your condition than you think. It is possible for people with disabilities to lead healthy and meaningful lives.

Let us remember that the core purpose of the group is to provide a safe
place for patients with the bipolar condition to learn from each other.

We deserve a friendly place to be ourselves and share openly and honestly
what we are going through. It is ok to be yourself at the BiPolar
Support Group! All are welcome at the Bipolar Support Group The Group
strives to create an environment of healing and tolerance. Share your
experience and give your personal input, meet other patients,
caregivers, friends and family of the San Diego mental health
community! This is a relaxed place to make new friends, share your
story with others who care and want to listen.

Lestat's -----3343 Adams Avenue 92116

thereisbipolarhope@yahoo.com

www.thereisbipolarhope.blogspot.com