An investigation into the complex genetics of bipolar affective disorder : potential susceptibility loci and candidate genes from the Irish population

Abstract

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is a serious and debilitating psychiatric illness characterised by extreme changes in mood, ranging from depression to mania. BPAD is undoubtedly caused by genetic factors, with some contribution from environmental influences, and is an inherited disorder. Linkage and candidate gene association tests are the two most commonly used techniques employed to try to identify genes that contribute to the onset of this disorder. We expect that there are many such BPAD susceptibility genes with weak to moderate effects. This thesis aimed to identify potential BPAD loci and candidate genes from the Irish population.