The NCAN Gene

There's a very encouraging new discovery on the genetics of mania.

A strong link was found between the gene NCAN and manic episodes in a large set of patients.

Then they reproduced manic symptoms in mice by disabling the gene. The manic symptoms in the mice were then responsive to treatment with Lithium.

Very cool.

Here's an article describing what was done:
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-09-decipher-manic-gene.html