Abstract
Introduction: Bipolar affective disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder. Its most striking feature is the alternation, sometimes sudden, of episodes of depression with those of euphoria (mania and hypomania) and asymptomatic periods in between. The crises can vary in intensity (mild, moderate and severe), frequency and duration. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the pathophysiology and neurochemistry of bipolar disorder, from diagnosis to treatment. Material and Methods: The methodology used was a literature review. The research was carried out through an electronic search for scientific articles published on the Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Lilacs (Latin American Health Sciences Literature) and Pubmed websites. The health terminologies consulted in the Health Sciences descriptors (DeCS/BIREME) were used; the pathophysiology and neurochemistry of bipolar disorder, from diagnosis to treatment. Results: Structural neuroimaging studies have shown significant changes in brain volume, suggesting atrophy and/or neuronal loss, at least in a proportion of individuals with BD. Several studies have reported a significant decrease in gray matter in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, as well as an increase in the lateral ventricles. Bipolar patients tend to show reductions in gray matter in the frontal regions of the brain involved in self-control, while sensory and visual regions are normal. Conclusion: When struggling with a mental health disorder, the road to improvement usually begins with the long process of trying various treatments and approaches to find the one that best suits the patient.
Published Version
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