The Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder: Neuroimaging and Genetics Update

Bipolar disorder is a heterogeneous, complex, multidimensional neuropsychiatric condition characterized by episodes of (hypo)mania and depression. The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is undoubtedly complicated, and much remains to be discovered regarding the neural and genetic correlates of this disorder. In the present work, we present an update on what is currently known regarding the neurobiology of bipolar disorder with a focus on data from neuroimaging and genetic studies. Magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest alterations in both the structure and function of prefrontal and cortical regions implicated in emotion regulation and cognition. Genetic studies have identified several risk variants for the disorder, yet the functional relevance of these variants remains to be clarified. Future studies that take into account the phenotypic heterogeneity of bipolar disorder are likely to advance our understanding of the neurobiology of this complicated neuropsychiatric illness.