This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citation map  • Citing articles on HighWire  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal

III. Theoretical Implications

William E. Bunney, Jr., MD; Frederick K. Goodwin, MD; Dennis L. Murphy, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1972;27(3):312-317.

Abstract
This paper represents the third part of a report on the "switch Process" and attempts to integrate the findings relevant to this process and to develop biological theories concerning the onset of manic illness. The following characteristics are important components of an hypothesized dysfunction in the switch process into mania: (1) the defect is genetically transmitted; (2)it must be activated; and (3) it is reversible. We speculate that a genetic abnormality may affect, in part, the mechanism which regulates the amount of functional neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, at the synaptic cleft, perhaps by interference with the transport of norepinephrine across neuronal membranes. It is emphasized that the hypotheses advanced require validation and must be modified as our knowledge of biological interactions in brain increases. A possible relationship of switch processes and changes in neurotransmitters to episodic metabolic illnesses, and to the "high" experienced on various drugs, is suggested.

Author Affiliations
Bethesda, Md

From the Section on Psychiatry, Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Oct 29, 1971.

Reprint requests to Section on Psychiatry, Laboratory of Clinical Science, NIMH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md 20014 (Dr. Bunney).

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Serotonin Transporter: Gene, Genetic Disorders, and Pharmacogenetics
Murphy et al.
Mol. Interv. 2004;4:109-123.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Phenomenology of Mania: Evidence for Distinct Depressed, Dysphoric, and Euphoric Presentations
Dilsaver et al.
Am. J. Psychiatry 1999;156:426-430.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Selective and Nonselective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Behavioral Disturbances During Their Administration to Depressed Patients
Pickar et al.
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1982;39:535-540.
ABSTRACT  

{beta}-Endorphin-Induced Changes in Schizophrenic and Depressed Patients
Kline et al.
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1977;34:1111-1113.
ABSTRACT  

CNS Monoamine Metabolism in Bipolar Affective Disorder: Evaluation Using a Peripheral Decarboxylase Inhibitor
Garfinkel et al.
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1977;34:735-739.
ABSTRACT  

Lithium: effects on subjective functioning and morphine-induced euphoria
Jasinski et al.
Science 1977;195:582-584.
ABSTRACT  

Erythrocyte Soluble Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase Activity in Primary Affective Disorder: A Clinical and Genetic Study
Gershon and Jonas
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1975;32:1351-1356.
ABSTRACT  

Overview of Recent Research in Depression: Integration of Ten Conceptual Models Into a Comprehensive Clinical Frame
Akiskal and McKinney
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1975;32:285-305.
ABSTRACT  

Depressive Disorders: Toward a Unified Hypothesis: Clinical, experimental, genetic, biochemical, and neurophysiological data are integrated
Akiskal and McKinney
Science 1973;182:20-29.
ABSTRACT