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Bipolar disorder (BD) is a leading cause of global disability. Its biological basis is unknown, and its treatment unsatisfactory. Here, we review two recent areas of progress. First, the discovery of risk genes and their implications, with a focus on voltage-gated calcium channels as part of the disease process and as a drug target. Second, facilitated by new technologies, it is increasingly apparent that the bipolar phenotype is more complex and nuanced than simply one of recurring manic and depressive episodes. One such feature is persistent mood instability, and efforts are underway to understand its mechanisms and its therapeutic potential. BD illustrates how psychiatry is being transformed by contemporary neuroscience, genomics, and digital approaches.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.tins.2017.10.006

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Neurosci

Publication Date

01/2018

Volume

41

Pages

18 - 30

Keywords

L-type calcium channels, digital phenotyping, genomics, mood disorder, mood instability, therapeutics