New drugs offer treatment for bipolar disorder

Two new drugs have been identified that may treat bipolar disorder.

Researchers at the University of Leeds investigating the genetic causes of bipolar disorder discovered that Rostafuroxin and SL327 can reduce manic behaviour.

Dr Steve Clapcote, of the Institute of Membrane Systems Biology at the University of Leeds, stated: "Rostaduroxin has been found to be sage in clinical trials for treating high blood pressure ... but our mouse studies show there's a possibility that it might also be suitable for people with mania."

While there are already successful treatments for bipolar disorder, they are limited to either Lithium or Valproate.

Previous studies have found that bipolar disorder is linked to specific brain regions and may be treatable by certain drugs that alter the brain metabolism.

Dr Stephen Strakowski of the University of Cincinnati examined brain activity in bipolar patients in response to an impulse control task that showed manic bipolar patients may have difficulties modulating the brain regions that monitor task performance.

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