Listen or watch on your favorite platforms
In this episode, I explain the biology, symptoms, causes and types of bipolar disorder (sometimes called bipolar depression). I discuss neuroplasticity and how the brain normally regulates mood, energy, and perceptions; then, I contrast that with the biology of bipolar disorder, which is characterized by extremes of energy and mood, e.g., mania and depression. I outline the mechanisms through which bipolar disorder manifests in the brain, including deficits of interoception and reduced connections between the parietal and limbic systems. I also outline how treatment options (such as lithium) work in part through homeostatic plasticity.’ I discuss not only lithium but also the treatment of bipolar with ketamine, different talk therapies, electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and nutraceuticals, including Omega-3 and Inositol supplementation. This episode should interest anyone who has or knows someone with bipolar disorder and, more broadly, those interested in how the brain works to create a balance between thoughts, energy levels, focus, and mood.
Articles
- The Long-term Natural History of the Weekly Symptomatic Status of Bipolar I Disorder (JAMA Psychiatry)
- A Prospective Investigation of the Natural History of the Long-term Weekly Symptomatic Status of Bipolar II Disorder (JAMA Psychiatry)
- Lithium salts in the treatment of psychotic excitement (Bulletin of the World Health Organization)
- Longitudinal Changes in Structural Connectivity in Young People at High Genetic Risk for Bipolar Disorder (American Journal of Psychiatry)
- Targeting Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity for Treatment of Mood Disorders 30361-5)(Neuron)
- Omega-3 fatty acid treatment, with or without cytidine, fails to show therapeutic properties in bipolar disorder: a double-blind, randomized add-on clinical trial (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology)
- Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (JAMA Psychiatry)
- Reduced mania and depression in juvenile bipolar disorder associated with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
- Omega-3 fatty acid treatment and T(2) whole brain relaxation times in bipolar disorder (The American Journal of Psychiatry)
- Brainstorm: Occupational choice, bipolar illness and creativity (Economics & Human Biology)
Other Resources
Join 500,000+ subscribers to get regular emails on neuroscience, health, and science-related tools from Dr. Andrew Huberman.
You'll also get Andrew's exclusive Daily Blueprint. In it, Andrew shares his daily routine. He also shares practical tools and protocols that you can use to stay productive and maximize your health.
By submitting your email to subscribe, you agree to Scicomm Media's Privacy Policy
