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What does bipolar disorder look like in the brain? 

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What does bipolar disorder look like in the brain? 

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Published by researchers from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine through a study where the brain of someone with bipolar disorder was monitored. The brain regions that are damaged the most are for inhibition and emotion.

www.amberusa.com/blog/bipolar-patients-found-abnormal-brain-matter.

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Scientists believe that people with bipolar disorder have a problem with their brain circuits and how their neurotransmitters function.

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According to webmd.com , the three brain chemicals that are linked to bipolar disorder are nor-adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.

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Nor-adrenaline: a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, and increases heart rate and blood pressure.
Serotonin: a compound found in blood platelets that constricts the blood vessels and acts as a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine: a compound present in the body as a neurotransmitter and is responsible for sending messages between the brain and different nerve cells in the body.

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Nor-adrenaline and serotonin are also linked to mood disorders.

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Dopamine controls nerve pathways in the brain that are linked with pleasure and emotional rewards.

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Serotonin is also connected to many body functions, like sleep, learning, impulsiveness, and memory.

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Abnormal functioning of serotonin brain cells can result in mood disorders.

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Researchers use machines like the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and the PET (positron emission topography) to take pictures of someone's brain with bipolar disorder.

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fMRI: Measures brain activity by monitoring changes associated with blood flow. According to radiologyinfo.org, "It may be used to examine the brain’s functional anatomy, (determine which parts of the brain are handling critical functions), evaluate the effects of stroke or other disease, or to guide brain treatment."

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PET: Used to detect cancerous cells in the body that might not always be found through an MRI or a CT.

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However, one study using the MRI showed the pattern of brain development in children with bipolar disorder is similar to those with multidimensional impairment. This pattern may be linked to unstable moods.

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Size differences in the brain can be seen with people with bipolar disorder.

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Evidence shows that as episodes of intense mood swings increases, so does the brain size differences.

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However the frontal lobe, which controls decision making and impulse behavior, tends to shrink when bipolar disorder progresses.

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People with bipolar disorder, even if they don't have symptoms, tend to not use the front part of their brain when making decisions under pressure.

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There is growing research that the medial prefrontal cortex is under active in people with bipolar disorder.

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Many people with bipolar disorder can't rely on their brains to make decisions that are separate from their routine, and it's often difficult for them to multitask.

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Image depicting how someone with bipolar disorder experiences difficulties in facial emotion recognition

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Image depicting how someone with bipolar disorder experiences difficulties in facial emotion recognition

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http://psycheducation.org/the-biologic-basis-of-bipolar-disorder/1035-2/

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According to the Gulf Bend Center, In a regular scenario, one cell sends a neurotransmitter across a synapse and the next cell receives the signal by catching the messenger chemical.

The neuron that receives the message then alerts other neurons that it has a message, and the process continues.

Along with the neurotransmitters mentioned earlier, GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine is believed to be connected with bipolar disorder.

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Researchers also think that another class of neurotransmitter chemicals known as neuropeptides, including endorphins and oxytocin, can affect people with bipolar disorder.

People with bipolar disorder tend to have higher oxytocin levels than someone that didn’t have a mood disorder.

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The thyroid,  an endocrine organ located in the neck that produces thyroid hormone, has been the focus on many mood disorders. Someone with bipolar disorder might fluctuate between low and high levels of thyroid hormones which can create a fall or elevation of mood.

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Even though not a lot is known about this, another component in the endocrine system that can affect mood when not regulated is the reproductive system when the ovaries produce estrogen and testosterone. Several studies have identified abnormal changes in the immune system that can vary based on the severity of someone with bipolar disorder.

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I have always been interested in how the brain of someone with bipolar disorder perceives different situations. I have some people in my life with bipolar disorder, it's a concept that I have always wanted to understand more. Personally I struggle sometimes with maintaining my mood and although I don't have bipolar disorder, it's vital for me to understand how it works so that I can help people who are struggling with the disorder. My secret hope is that people who struggle with bipolar disorder can find peace and serenity with themselves and hold no judgement regarding who they are.
(personal photo)

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“Bipolar Patients Found to Have Abnormal Brain Matter - Amber USA.” Amber USA Blog, Radiology News, MRI, CT Scanner, Medical Imaging, 22 May 2017, www.amberusa.com/blog/bipolar-patients-found-abnormal-brain-matter.

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“Causes of Bipolar Disorder.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-causes.

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“Gulf Bend MHMR Center.” Alzheimers Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders, www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc.

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“Chapter 2: Brain Differences in Bipolar Disorder.” PsychEducation, psycheducation.org/the-biologic-basis-of-bipolar-disorder/1035-2/.

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“Chapter 2: Brain Differences in Bipolar Disorder.” PsychEducation, psycheducation.org/the-biologic-basis-of-bipolar-disorder/1035-2/.

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National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. education.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/hosford_clinic/docs/Bipolar.pdf .