Abstract
There is not yet a defined molecular biology of manic-depression. There are no DNA mutations known to predispose to the disorder. Genes have not been identified that are functionally abnormal in patients. Genetic linkage to polymorphic markers in multiply affected families has not been convincingly established, nor are there any DNA or classical markers clearly associated with liability to develop the condition. Indeed it is possible to go further and say that there is not yet a biology of manic-depression. Biological research has been unable so far to identify markers of trait, as a basis for the application of molecular methods, and indeed as a basis for the better identification of the syndrome itself. Such a biological marker would greatly assist identification of cases for genetic studies, as for example the measurement of blood sugar can assist in the diagnosis of subclinical diabetes mellitis. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of manic-depression depends on clinical recognition of a constellation of symptoms that may or may not be present at the time of assessment.
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