The Essence of Bipolar Disorder - by William J Walsh (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A Groundbreaking Scientific Investigation into the Genetic and Neurological Origins of Bipolar Disorder

After a multiyear study of recent advances in neuroscience and genetics, Dr. William J. Walsh has resolved many of the core unknowns about bipolar disorder that have puzzled researchers for more than a century. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Walsh presents a new evidence-based theory of bipolar disorder--offering clarity on a condition that has eluded definitive understanding for decades. Affecting more than seventy million people worldwide, bipolar disorder remains a leading cause of suicide, unemployment, and lost human potential.

The Essence of Bipolar Disorder takes readers inside a fascinating medical investigation. Early findings indicated that bipolar is a late onset epigenetic illness involving progressive DNA damage with advancing age. A novel analysis of sixty-three known bipolar risk genes revealed the likely cause of this unique mental illness: Mutated ion channels that impair regulation of neurotransmitters, coincident with accelerated DNA damage. These genetic predispositions generally are not sufficient to trigger bipolar disorder during childhood and adolescence, but continuing DNA damage over many years eventually triggers bipolar onset. These findings led to the discovery of a potassium-ion flooding mechanism that can explain the unique oscillation between mania and depression. Further analysis of neurotransmitter systems identified impaired serotonin neurons as the key drivers of mood-state switching.

This innovative theory could transform the future of bipolar disorder research and suggests promising new treatment opportunities. It also opens the door to future DNA and epigenetic screening tools that may identify children at high risk--potentially enabling early, antioxidant-based interventions to prevent illness onset.

Dr. Walsh's findings redefine the medical framework for bipolar disorder--offering new hope to those affected by this complex and often devastating condition. This book is essential reading for researchers, clinicians, and mental health professionals dedicated to advancing psychiatric care.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Walsh takes us on a journey through the latest in genetic and neurological research, guiding us to the cause, an explanation for mania-depression transitions, and treatment opportunities. A must-read for scientists, researchers, and physicians seeking answers for bipolar disorder."

--Eva Edelman, author of Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder

"Dr. Walsh is a visionary voice shaping modern psychiatry. He writes from the front lines of biochemical research, where his groundbreaking work has already lifted thousands out of the shadows of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other struggles."

--Sarah Warley, founder of the Key Clinic, London

"Dr. William Walsh, a pioneer in Mastering Brain Chemistry, turns his sharp focus to the intricate biology of bipolar disorder. This work uniquely integrates diverse scientific breakthroughs--exploring everything from molecular genetics and ion channel dysfunction to neuronal injury and glia."

--Ronald Glick, psychiatrist, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

"Dr. Walsh's work offers a clinically relevant framework for understanding bipolar disorder through the lens of neuroscience, genetics, and epigenetics. His insights into the biological basis of mood switching may guide more targeted interventions and future strategies for prevention."

--Dr. Inna Merenzon, forensic psychiatrist, Israel

"The groundbreaking discoveries and brilliance of Dr. William J. Walsh will educate you about the realities of this previously elusive and very mysterious disorder. Dr. Walsh has studied over 30,000 mental patients, acquired a database of over 3 million chemical assays, and trained more than 1,000 doctors in novel protocols which correct imbalances in brain chemistry."

--Teri Arranga, president emeritus, Autism International Association

"Dr. Walsh has cracked the code on bipolar disorder in ways that will fundamentally transform treatment. He reveals the genetic vulnerabilities and accelerated oxidative assaults that actually cause the condition. This revolutionary understanding offers real hope beyond traditional approaches."

--Aimie Apigian, MD, developer of The Biology of Trauma(R)

"Dr. Walsh's groundbreaking research draws on recent advances in neuroscience, genetics, epigenetics, and DNA repair to reveal bipolar disorder's biological roots. His explanation of mood switching brings long-overdue clarity and hope. As a medical professional following his work with genuine admiration, I strongly believe it holds life-changing promise for patients and families."

--Antoinette Föhr-Keller, MD, Switzerland

"Dr. Walsh's ideas about the fundamental underpinnings of mental health laid a new foundation to my approach for mental health treatment and a dramatic benefit in my patients' lives, helping patients feel better, reduce medications, and sometimes resolve problems that conventional medical treatment never helped. His ability to parse out root causes of psychiatric illness continues to improve people's lives around the world."

--Malcolm Sickels, MD, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"This book takes you on a fascinating in-depth journey into the functional biochemistry of neurons, DNA, and the supporting network of glia cells in a methodical way, making the complex understandable. Dr. Walsh comes to an illuminating conclusion about the cause of bipolar disorder and proposes preventive strategies and a framework for future research and treatments."

--Kenneth Cartaxo, MD

About the Author

Dr. William J. Walsh is president and chief scientist of Walsh Research Institute in Illinois. His varied career began as a nuclear scientist including top-secret hydrogen bomb development at Savannah River and plutonium research at Los Alamos. Disillusioned with weapons research, he pursued nuclear fuels reprocessing, lithium battery development, energy/environmental sciences, forensics, and the biochemistry of criminal violence, ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. His present interests include epigenetics, neuroscience, global DNA methylation, and approaches for protecting DNA.