Genetics of major mood disorders

Abstract

The results presented in recent research suggest that nosology must be changed to reflect the genetic origins of the multiple disorders that are collectively described by the term bipolar disorder.

FIGURE 1

Two BP disorder twin studies, conducted 25 years apart, are compared for concordance rates in MZ and DZ twins. These studies yield very similar results, including estimates of heritability of approximately 80 percent.

FIGURE 2

To the right of the indicated chromosome, a B is placed for a confirmed BP susceptibility locus; an asterisk is placed to the right of the indicated chromosome for a confirmed BP + SZ susceptibility locus.

FIGURE 3

The * and the ^ represent two SNPs located in the same small region of an ancestral chromosome. Across thousands of generations, recombination between the two SNPs tends to be rare, because they are located so close to one another. Individuals who share the common ancestor shown here will retain that ancestor's alleles at both SNPs.