| Title & Author | Abstract | |
|---|---|---|
| 12(028) | EVOLUTIONARY ORIGIN OF BIPOLAR DISORDER (EOBD)
Target Article by Sherman on Evolution-Bipolar-Disorder Julia A. Sherman, 6302 Mineral Pt. Rd., #303 Madison WI 53705 USA shermanj@supranet.com |
Abstract:
The hypothesis of the evolutionary origin of Bipolar
Disorder (EOBD) attempts to make sense of BD by placing it in
evolutionary perspective. The hypothesis emerges from ideas about
the importance of the organism's biological clock and
energy-regulating mechanism (Wehr, Goodwin, Rosenthal), and
theorising that BD descends from a pyknic (compact, cold-adapted)
group (Kretschmer). It suggests that BD behaviors evolved as highly
derived adaptations to the selective pressures of extreme climatic
conditions (long, severe winters and short summers). The EOBD
hypothesis integrates existing observations, economically explains
puzzling aspects of BD, yields testable predictions, and suggests
new research directions.
Keywords: Biological clock; Bipolar Disorder; depression; cold adaptation; environment; evolution; Kretschmer; mania; physique; seasonal. |
| 13(003) | AN APPEALING BUT UNPROVEN AND INCOMPLETE THEORY: EVOLUTIONARY
ORIGIN OF BIPOLAR DISORDER Commentary on Sherman on Evolution-Bipolar-Disorder Fred H. Previc Northrup Grumman Information Technology 4241 Woodcock Dr. Ste B100 San Antonio TX 78228 fred.previc@brooks.af.mil |
Abstract:
The evolutionary origin of bipolar disorder (EOBD)
proposed by Dr. J. A. Sherman is intuitively appealing but lacking
in two important respects: 1) epidemiological evidence does not
provide clear support for it; and 2) it is lacking a neural
foundation. The latter problem may be corrected by assuming that
seasonal fluctuations in dopamine partly underlie the
symptomatology of BD.
Keywords: Biological clock; Bipolar Disorder; depression; cold adaptation; environment; evolution; Kretschmer; mania; physique; seasonal. |
| 13(024) | IS BIPOLAR DISORDER A BEHAVIORAL FOSSIL?
Reply to Previc on Sherman on Evolution Bipolar Disorder Julia A. Sherman 6302 Mineral Point Rd. #303 Madison WI 53705 shermanj@supranet.com |
Abstract:
Previc's commentary on the evolutionary origin of Bipolar
Disorder (EOBD) brings up the intriguing question: When did the BD
adaptation occur? Could BD descend from our most ancient ancestors?
More sophisticated epidemiological data are needed to test the EOBD
model. Specification of a neurophysiological foundation for the
model is appropriately omitted because these events involve
proximate causation while the EOBD model concerns ultimate
causation, which are two disparate levels of discourse. Discoveries
in neurophysiology continue to support the model (new class of
light-sensing cells; biological signal of season change in
seasonal affective disorder patients).
Keywords: Biological clock, Bipolar Disorder, cold adaptation, depression, evolution, genetics, multiregional, out of Africa, Neanderthal, seasonal |