Bipolar disorder is a chronic and sometimes debilitating neuropsychiatric condition which is characterized by unsteady states of mood that fluctuate between depression to mania. Despite the number of current available psychiatric medications, bipolar disorder is poorly treated in a subset of individuals. Recently, the endocannabinoid system has become viewed as a possible target to treat this condition.
Bipolar Disorder Explained
Over 7 million adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder annually, or roughly 2.8% of the adult population. The disorder is lifelong and can cause debilitation in areas of life including personal relationships, careers, and education. Bipolar disorder is mostly known for its switches from depression to mania, and experiences of emotional lows and highs. It affects both males and females fairly equally.
Psychiatric Treatments
Considering that bipolar disorder is a chronic and ongoing illness, psychotherapy and counseling along with routine medication reviews by a psychiatrist are the standard protocol. Individuals are many times treated with a combination of medications that target specific symptoms including mania, psychosis, depression and anxiety. Lithium has been prescribed for decades and works for some people. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications and most recently, ketamine-based drugs are being prescribed for symptoms of the illness.
Why Target the Endocannabinoid System?
Researchers have discovered a connection between the endocannabinoid system which regulates many functions and systems in the body, brain and gut, and neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood and emotions. This being said, the endocannabinoid system may play a vital role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Specifically, the role of cannabinoid receptor 2 or CB2 and the ability to activate it may help reduce distressing symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. In addition to CB2, transmissions of serotonin and dopamine, both modulated by the endocannabinoid system, may also assist in alleviating symptoms.
Final Thoughts on the Endocannabinoid System and Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can present great difficulties and sometimes extreme problems in many areas of life for the person diagnosed with the condition. Therapy and medications tend to be the gold standard with the hopes of treating cognitive and behavioral aspects and the neurochemical and biologic causes of the illness. While many people respond to this more traditional route of treatment, scientists are examining the role of the endocannabinoid system and CB2 receptors in the genesis of and treatment for bipolar disorder. More time and research is needed to see if therapeutically targeting this system will diminish unwanted and troublesome symptoms.