Virus causes bipolar disorder?

Despite more than a century of research and many amazing advances in medical science, the cause of distressing conditions like bipolar disorder remains an enigma. Some current research is considering whether the borna virus (BDV), responsible for bipolar like symptoms in horses and other animals, might also affect humans. A study reported recently in Edinburgh has found BDV-specific antibodies in the blood of people with a bipolar diagnosis. The antibodies were also found in people with no diagnosis but in many fewer people. One reason that people look for an infectious cause for bipolar disorder is that many studies have shown that people born in winter or spring, peak times for infectious diseases, are more likely to develop bipolar disorder as an adult. If a virus like BDV is found to be a cause of psychological distress in humans then the whole psychiatric treatment paradigm is likely to change. Read the evidence for yourself at http://newsarchive.asm.org/jul01/animalcule.asp

 
Odd Socks Day...
 

World Mental Health Day is the 10th October. We looked for a way of celebrating the day with a local theme. Sitting at a sidewalk cafe we noticed a young woman walk past wearing very distinctive odd socks and looking totally at ease with the world. It occurred to us that while one in five people may be affected by mental illness, it was also highly likely that one in five were wearing odd socks. We had our theme! People wearing odd socks stand out in the crowd, as do people for many other reasons, amongst them the many stigmatising visible effects of psychotropic medication or mental illness. Yet we don't discriminate against people with odd socks. We might take a second look, maybe have a wee chuckle and speculate on whether socks really do disappear in washing machines, and then quickly forget that the person has odd socks on. Often, people in mental distress are not so lucky. We are discriminated against in every aspect of our lives if we dare to look, act or be different from the sanatised crowd. October the 10th, join us and wear odd socks, dare to be different and spare a thought for those whose enjoyment of life is restricted by others simply on the basis of outward appearance.