Does the X-Chromosome Carry the Gene Responsible for Bipolar Disorder?

Abstract

According to family, twin and adoption studies, which consistently indicate a strong genetic component, the specific genes that are responsible for bipolar disorder remain unclear. While the mode of transmission is poorly characterized, genetic studies suggest that the X-chromosome may be responsible for bipolar disorder. Muscular dystrophy is an X-chromosome linked recessively inherited disorder. In this case, we present a 35 year-old male with bipolar disorder and coexisting muscular dystrophy whose mother has bipolar disorder. This case prompts us to consider the possibility that those genes responsible for muscular dystrophy and bipolar disorder might be in close proximity within the same chromosome, namely the X-chromosome.