Psychiatr. praxi. 2014;15(3):99-102

Circadian rhytms in patients with bipolar disorder

MUDr.Dana Kamarádová, Ph.D., doc.MUDr.Klára Látalová, Ph.D., prof.MUDr.Ján Praško, CSc.

Klinika psychiatrie, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci, Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc

Bipolar disorder is linked to circadian rhythms disturbance. However, the exact mechanism underlying the association between circadian rhythm

and mood remains unknown. The master circadian pacemaker is located in suprachiasmatic nucleus in hypothalamus. The inner clocks are regulated

by cyclic environmental factors. Persons with bipolar disorder may have problems with this environmental synchronization. The discovery

of clock genes generating oscillations in gene expression meant revolution in understanding to circadian rhythms. Studies proved that some

clock genes variants may play important role in a vulnerability to bipolar disorder. Circadian rhythms may be affected both by pharmacological

and non-pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological approaches may play an important role in treatment of pharmacoresistant patients.

Keywords: suprachiasmatic nucleus, clock genes, chronotherapy

Published: November 1, 2014  Show citation