On the molecular genetics of bipolar affective disorder

Abstract

This thesis describes genome-wide gene mapping analyses as applied to bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). This condition is a severe recurrent psychiatric disorder, with a substantial familial component and an estimated population prevalence of approximately 1 to 2%. The sample used in this thesis comprised 260 affected sibling pairs (ASPs) for the preliminary screening stage (Stage 1) and some 395 ASPs used in the follow-up phase (Stage II). ASPs were required to have one sibling with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (BPI), and the other with one of a range of broader diagnoses within the affective spectrum.