Genetic testing for bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness, characterized by great behavioural instability. The patient's behaviour swings from mania to depression. 1% of adult population is affected by this disorder. The manic phase is characterized by euphoria, extreme optimism, racing thoughts etc. The depressive phase is characterized by sadness, despair, guilt feelings and fear.
Why should you have your DNA analysed for predisposition to bipolar disorder?
Genetic factors play an important role for the disease appears more often in patient's family that in the general population. It is important to be aware of an individual's predisposition to this disease because bipolar disorder can lead to the abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs, the ultimate consequence being a suicide in the depressive phase or a fatal accident during the state of euphoria.
How is bipolar disorder prevented or treated?
To make the diagnosis, criteria by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) need to be met. Bipolar disorder is treated by specialists psychiatrists.
More information about genetic testing for diseases.