Bipolar Disorder Brain - What Changes Does Manic Depression Cause in the Brain?

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With modern day brain imaging, it becomes clear that bipolar is not a disorder, but a brain illness, as real as cancer or a cold. While science is nonetheless investigating the differences between the brain of a regular individual and the brain of a bipolar individual here are four differences in between the two.

1.) Ventral Striatum

The ventral striatum permits the brain to procedure rewards, such as feeling pleased after consuming or having sex. If a person suffers from bipolar, this component will be overactive and have a 30% loss in the amount of gray matter.

The ventral striatum also aids in judgment, such as what is regarded as typical or moral. Because bipolar persons suffer a reduction in this portion of the brain, they will be prone to overspending or sexual promiscuity, in particular when manic.

two.) Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex allows the brain to approach and regulation emotion, an critical component of impulse control. For example, when 1 feels angry, they don't go out and hit the 1st individual they see.

In those with bipolar disorder, there is a 20% to 40% reduction in gray matter material in the prefrontal cortex, causing rash behavior and anger control issues.

3.) Amygdala

The amygdala controls facial expressions and tones of voice. For example, if you see a person you like on the method, neural transmissions will occur in your brain, telling you to smile. In the bipolar brain, there is a loss of gray matter in this region, causing a delay reaction in facial expressions.

four.) Hippocampus

In those with bipolar disorder, the hippocampus has lost branches that connect neurons, leading to a loss of an capability to tell the difference in between danger and reward, causing a state of anxiety.