Posted by BarbaraCat on July 9, 2004, at 15:44:36
In reply to correlation btwn schizophrenia and bipolar, posted by fluffy on July 9, 2004, at 11:13:29
Hi Katy,
I'll gather together what I've found so far. There were a few stories just recently about finding a similar gene sequence for BP and Sch but I don't remember the exact sources. I'm signed up with alot of medical subscription services. One good one that usually has something is http://www.the-scientist.com/. You have to sign up once for free, but it's packed with more data than you'll ever use. BTW, I love the McManweb site.As far as schizophrenia, I've wondered the same thing. There's so much cross over with these disorders, you know? In the grip of my most severe bipolar symptoms it seems pretty classic schizoaffective to me, complete with voices and visions. What makes it not schizophrenia, I've been told, is it's transitory nature, coming only with the bipolar cycles. Schizoprenia is an all the time thing. But too much dopamine seems a contender in psychotic phenonmena. But then again, LSD and hallucinogens are a serotonin affect so who knows? It's worth pursuing.
> Hey Barb-cat--
>
> You mentioned something about the correlation between schizophrenia and bipolar. I'm really interested in this since the drug that fits me the best is intended for schizophrenia--AND, what do you know, my grandmother is schizophrenic (or schizophreniform, schizoaffective--not really sure). So in a way, it makes a lot of sense that the atypical AP's are for me.
>
> Like I said, I think I have a faulty dopamine receptor or two. I also wonder about dopamine agonists WITH antagonists. I've tried to do some research, and I don't get much--there seems to be conflicting info. But I know for a fact that there are people who take zyprexa and mirapex together, for example. So apparently it can be done and IS done for some reason. Also--Abilify is supposed to do the same thing with one pill. The NIMH is doing a study on Mirapex and bipolar depression right now. I think they are just starting to figure this stuff out. If you sniff out any good articles about dopamine agonism/antagonism, I'd love to read them.
>
> Anyway--enough rambling from me--
>
> Katy
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/364461.html