Australian researchers say they have new evidence that a simple eye test could help diagnose inherited mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Monash University neuroscientist Dr Steven Miller led a national team of researchers to test the binocular rivalry rates of 348 sets of twins -- 128 of which were identical.The test measured the twins' binocular rivalry -- the 'switching' of their visual perception from one image to the next, when two dissimilar images were simultaneously presented, one to each eye.
Dr Miller's study of twins showed that switching rates were very similar between each set of identical twins, yet were substantially less so for non-identical twins, suggesting a genetic contribution to an individual's switching rate.
"By studying such a large group of identical and non-identical twins we can determine the likelihood of genetics being responsible for certain biological traits," Dr Miller said.
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"A person without bipolar disorder will make the switch between images every one to two seconds. However, a person with bipolar disorder takes three to four seconds, and up to 10 seconds, to switch between the images," Dr Miller said.
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The next stage of the research would test the reliability of using the switch rate to assist in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder or a predisposition to bipolar disorder.
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US drug makers are encouraging doctors to look for the bipolar disorder and the drug industry is reaping a windfall. But increasingly many are skeptical of the efficacy of the drugs prescribed.
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The findings were released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA journal.
Dr Miller, previously of the University of Queensland, led the collaborative study with colleagues at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, prior to accepting a research appointment at Monash in 2008.
Source-Medindia
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