The Essence of Bipolar Disorder - William J. Walsh

A Groundbreaking Scientific Investigation into the Genetic and Neurological Origins of Bipolar DisorderAfter a multiyear study of recent advances in neuroscience and genetics, William J. Walsh, PhD, has resolved many of the core unknowns about bipolar disorder that have puzzled researchers for more than a century. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Walsh presents a bold new theory of bipolar disorder—offering clarity on a condition that has eluded definitive understanding for decades. Affecting more than seventy million people worldwide, bipolar disorder remains a leading cause of suicide, unemployment, and lost human potential.The Essence of Bipolar Disorder takes readers inside a fascinating medical investigation. Early findings indicated that bipolar is a late onset epigenetic illness involving progressive DNA damage with advancing age. A novel analysis of sixty-four known bipolar risk genes revealed the likely cause of this unique mental illness: Mutated ion channels that regulate neurotransmission coincident with accelerated DNA damage. These genetic predispositions generally are not sufficient to trigger bipolar disorder during childhood and adolescence, but continuing DNA damage over many years eventually triggers bipolar onset. These findings led to the discovery of a potassium-ion flooding mechanism that can explain the unique oscillation between mania and depression. Further analysis of neurotransmitter systems identified impaired serotonin neurons as the key drive
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