Neurological Effects of Caffeine on Individuals With Bipolar Disorder

Destiny LaRue, Northwestern State University

Description

Neurological and psychological literature were searched for potential connections between the chemical effects of caffeine on neural function and neurological abnormalities associated with bipolar disorder. The analysis revealed several brain regions where caffeine actions and bipolar disorder abnormalities align. In particular, pathways involving the prefrontal and cingulate cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and hippocampus appear to be connected to both caffeine and bipolar correlates. Abnormalities in the pathways through the basal ganglia are thought to be a leading determinant of abnormal behavior in bipolar disorder. These findings, though correlational, give direction for future research on bipolar disorder mechanisms.

 
Apr 11th, 1:00 PM Apr 11th, 2:00 PM

Neurological Effects of Caffeine on Individuals With Bipolar Disorder

Hamilton Hall 113

Neurological and psychological literature were searched for potential connections between the chemical effects of caffeine on neural function and neurological abnormalities associated with bipolar disorder. The analysis revealed several brain regions where caffeine actions and bipolar disorder abnormalities align. In particular, pathways involving the prefrontal and cingulate cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and hippocampus appear to be connected to both caffeine and bipolar correlates. Abnormalities in the pathways through the basal ganglia are thought to be a leading determinant of abnormal behavior in bipolar disorder. These findings, though correlational, give direction for future research on bipolar disorder mechanisms.