In France, 1.2% of the population suffers from bipolar disorders. This disease (also called “manic-depressive illness”) appears mainly at the beginning of adulthood – between 18 and 24 years – in men as well as in women, but rather in urban areas.
This is a pathology that evolves in phases: during the so-called “manic” phase, the person suffering from bipolar disorders is hyperactive, euphoric: she makes plans, loses all her inhibitions. But during the so-called “depressive” phase, we see the opposite phenomenon: the person is depressed, has no taste for anything, feels listless. Between these two extremes, the person benefits from a short respite: the euthymia phase, a normal state. *
According to a new study from University College London (England), it will soon be possible to prevent bipolar disorder from the age of 9 with a simple blood test. To reach this conclusion, the researchers worked with a panel of 1,700 volunteers, whom they followed from their pre-adolescence (8-9 years) to adulthood.
Earlier diagnosis = better care
Results ? Scientists discovered that at the age of 9, an abnormally high blood level of a molecule called IL-6 could herald bipolar disorder in adulthood. This molecule, secreted by white blood cells, is normally involved in the body’s immune response to infections.
However, previous studies had already shown that IL-6 also had an impact on the brain, and in particular on a cerebral area called the “anterior cingulate cortex”: it would thus be involved in anxiety, memory impairment, sleep and self-esteem problems …
“This work could allow an earlier diagnosis of bipolar disorders, which would allow a more effective management” affirm the researchers, who published their work in the specialized journal Psychological Medicine. “In addition, new treatments targeting IL-6 in particular could be developed. “
