Symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including psychosis, depression and manic behavior, have both shared and distinguishing genetic factors, an international consortium led by researchers from Vanderbilt University and Virginia Commonwealth University is reporting.

Mimi Baird had not seen or heard from her father since the Harvard-trained physician, tormented by severe bipolar disease, walked away from his family when she was 5 years old. Then, when she was in her mid-50s, a mysterious box arrived at her door.

The transgenic mouse, into which was inserted a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter, could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of these all-too-common brain disorders.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share common genetic underpinnings. Vanderbilt researchers combined high-resolution gene expression studies with gene association data to reveal signaling pathways linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Vanderbilt University investigators for the first time have linked a non-inherited, de novo mutation in the dopamine transporter to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Brain deficits are not present in the early stages of schizophrenia, suggesting it may be possible to delay or prevent the development of brain abnormalities.

Bipolar depression and schizophrenia share patterns of changes in neurons that regulate information flow, new research shows.