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Sep
13
The findings, made as part of the largest study into the genetics of common diseases, also offers hope to depression and schizophrenia sufferers.
The Cardiff University scientists analyzed DNA from thousands of people, including actor and writer Stephen Fry.
Previously known as manic depression, bipolar sufferers are at a greatly increased risk of committing suicide.
“This should be a time of great optimism for those individuals and families that have experienced illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.” – Professor Nick Craddock
The team, from the university’s School of Medicine, discovered that there are many genes which put an individual at greater risk of bipolar disorder.
Each gene on its own makes a relatively small contribution to the overall risk.
The results are said to shed light on the biological systems behind bipolar disorder, which affects about 100m people worldwide.
