A Multifactorial Analysis of Bipolar Disorder Dr Sharanya Rajan City, University of London, UK Email: Sharanya.rajan@city.ac.uk 1. Summary The objective of this study is to analyze bipolar disorder taking into consideration many factors. Although extensive research has been conducted in the field, I have chosen it because I have keen interest in analyzing it for a better understanding of how the disorder that affects people and how it can be treated using drugs and also the efficacy of the drugs on various types of bipolar disorders. The introduction, method and results are discussed to understand the multifactorial analysis of bipolar disorder. 2. Introduction Bipolar disorder (BPD), also known as manicdepressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, activity levels, and inability to carry out daily tasks. Maniac episodes are common in men and depressive episodes common in women [2]. Relapses are common in BPD and obesity is one of the risk factors [4]. These moods range from periods of ecstasy to period of grief [6]. In this study, three types of Bipolar disorders are considered [5]. ● Bipolar Disorder 1 (BPD1) Defined by manic episodes that last at least a week. ● Bipolar Disorder 2 (BPD2)Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. ● Cyclothemic Disorder Defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years. The two primary types of treatment for BPD are psychotherapy and medications [1]. Lithium remains the first line for the treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar disorders, but has many limitations. A drug Memantine, NMDA receptor blocker, blocks the development of the extreme sensitivity and the consequent desensitization associated with the mood dysfunction. Studies have suggested the use of memantine in the treatment of mood dysfunction of BPD [3]. The aim of the study is to address various health related factors related to BPD. The research questions addressed are: RQ1 Did the Memantine/control drug decrease the mood dysfunction scores in BPD patients over time? RQ2 Which type of BPD in the intervention group showed significant result over time? RQ3 Is there a correlation between numbers of relapses in BPD with weight of the patient? RQ4 Did the mood dysfunction scores over time in BPD affect the intervention group after controlling age factor? RQ5 Does the maniac episodes in BPD differ across gender? 3. Methodological Considerations ● In RQ1, RQ3 and RQ5, all the participants in the study (N=45) affected with BPD as a whole were considered irrespective of the types of BPD they were diagnosed, to understand the effect of 1