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Tragically, at the dawn of the 21st century, manic depression is still misdiagnosed and, in turn, not adequately treated. A variety of psychopharmacological treatments do exist which assist bipolar sufferers in managing their illness. However, side effects of these drugs are often perceived as intolerable and lead patients to discontinue their medications. At this time, there are no cures for manic depression. The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund at The University of Michigan Health System follows a bold vision. We will advance breakthrough medical research to help develop cures for bipolar disorder. Based on discussions with leaders in the mental health research community, the Fund believes the following areas will render the most promising results of wellness in the future: Psychiatric genetics: Manic depression is a hereditary disease that runs in families. Scientists believe that various genes are at the root cause of manic depression. We hope to fund research which will identify the genes responsible, the way they interact with each other, and how to "switch off" the genes via pharmacological intervention. Therefore, we would prevent onsets of manic depressive episodes from developing. Pediatric bipolar disorder: Research conducted at the Harvard Medical School has shown that young children develop symptoms of manic depression as early as the age of 2. In addition, it is common knowledge that early diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents and young adults suffering from bipolar disorder positively impacts the course and treatment outcome of the disease. We need to detect manic depression early on to ensure a long, healthy, happy and productive life for the children who are affected. Neuroscience: Although during the 1990s-dubbed the "Decade of the Brain"-Congress funded an unprecedented amount of brain research, much more needs to be done to fully comprehend the inner workings of our most prized organ. Neuroimaging: Many Americans still believe that mental illness, like manic depression, is "not real" or just "a state of mind." Brain imaging proves that there are physical changes taking place in the brain which reflect onsets of bipolar disorder. Once decision makers in business and politics realize that mental illness is a physical illness, they will be more accepting of related afflictions. The stigma of manic depression will decrease. The illness will be treated on par with other (physical) illnesses leading legislators and insurance companies to stop the discriminatory practice of providing different levels of health care coverage for various illnesses.
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