ScienceDaily (Mar. 1, 2011) — thanks in part to a Norwegian research biobank, researchers have generated important new insight into ADHD and how the condition manifests itself. among other things, they have found that there is some overlap between ADHD and bipolar disorders with regard to rapid mood swings.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs on a worldwide basis and appears to affect two to five per cent of the population, depending on the method of measurement used and the population groups examined. although the condition has been recognised for over 100 years, insight into its causes, prevention and treatment remains limited.

In 2005, a long-term, interdisciplinary research project on the clinical and biological factors associated with ADHD ("ADHD in Norway: Basic and translational studies") was launched in Bergen with funding from the Research Council’s Programme for Mental Health (PSYKISK). An extensive international collaboration has been established to follow up the research results in the coming years.

A research biobank containing clinical informational and biological samples from Norwegian ADHD patients and their families, as well as from control subjects, was established as well. using this data as a basis, the researchers have sought to map the connection between ADHD symptoms and other mental disorders.

Mood swings

"one of our findings is that there is some overlap between AHDH and bipolar disorders with regard to rapid mood swings. it is now being discussed whether mood swings should be included in the official diagnosis criteria for ADHD," explains Jan Haavik, project manager and professor at Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen.

The researchers have also shown that the Norwegian population has many genetic variants that regulate the synthesis of the pheromones dopamine and serotonin. some of these genetic variants are associated with ADHD symptoms.

Email or share this story:

Story Source:

the above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by The Research Council of Norway. the original article was written by Elin Fugelsnes/Else Lie. Translation: Connie Stultz/Carol B. Eckmann.

Note: if no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: this article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Bipolar disorder is otherwise known as manic depressive illness. this is a mental condition that commonly happens to the Americans. With all the stressors of life, the number of sufferers from this condition increases dramatically.

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness in which one faces unpredictable mood swings. These mood swings range from depressive symptoms to manic symptoms. It is not necessary to label a depressed person as someone who has a bipolar disorder where episodes of mania are insufficient.

Basically, there are two types of bipolar disorders which are known as type I and type II. Their determinants rely on the amount of manic and depressive episodes. before a person is called a full-blown mania, he should manifest signs of mania for a week and depressions for a period of two weeks.

One should show signs of mania and depression before undergoing diagnosis. The following are the symptoms of mania: self-esteem, talkative, flight of ideas, unstoppable buying sprees, and many more.

Now, it is important that we should learn the possible bipolar disorder causes. It is vital to learn the different bipolar causes as this will help us learn the possible treatments for the said condition. however, we should also keep in mind that there is not enough certainty about the bipolar disorder causes. But there is a hypothesis that patients are genetically predisposed. some of the probable bipolar disorder causes also include the theory of deficiency of other chemical transmitters and neurostructural changes.

With all the mentioned theories about the possible bipolar disorder causes, there are some effective ways to manage this kind of mental condition. The treatments available in the treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium, carbamazepine, and valproic acid. however, the use of lithium may cause possible side effects like hypothyroidism, tremor, and neutrophilia. Blood of a patient undergoing lithium medication should be well-monitored. The effects will not show up until 7 to 10 days of treatment.

there are also therapies that can help overcome bipolar disorder. some of them are cognitive behavior therapy, yoga therapy, and herbal medicines. These procedures are induced naturally without the chemical contents that can cause side effects.