The Impact of Copy Number Variation in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

The research hypothesis of the article attempts to prove that genetics are a significant risk factor for both bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia (SZ) ( Green et al., 2016) . The research delineates to the point that some genetic factors result in the manifestation of either condition while some genetic factors are responsible for the advent of both disorders, simultaneously ( Green et al., 2016) . The authors were interested in the topic given the fact that scholars have for years pondered upon and researched about the impact of genetics on the prevalence of the conditions ( Green et al., 2016) . Additionally, the impact of copy number variants (CNVs) and their size on the probability of an individual to acquire neurodevelopment disorders has triggered research into the extent of this effect ( Green et al., 2016) . The steps taken by researchers have resulted in new evidence suggesting the extent of the impact of the presence of copy number variation on both SZ and BD ( Green et al., 2016) . The researchers maintain that previous studies have implicated the effect on SZ even though the same cannot be said for bipolar disorder. 

In the research results, findings point out to the fact that three among 15 previously implicated CNVs were found to have an impact on the prevalence of bipolar disorder ( Green et al., 2016) . The experiments conducted for individuals with the genetic traits responsible for both SZ and BD revealed that individuals diagnosed with SZ revealed a higher likelihood of possessing large and rare CNVs, therefore supporting the hypothesis ( Green et al., 2016) . Additionally, the research done compared the prevalence of large and rare CNVs among individuals diagnosed with BD and revealed that the subjects exhibited higher numbers of the rare CNVs as compared to the control group that was chosen ( Green et al., 2016) . The research furthermore reveals that there was a stack difference between the occurrence of CNVs between SZ and BD patients, therefore supporting previous findings that reveal CNVs are more prevalent in SZ than in BD ( Green et al., 2016) . The results therefore support the hypothesis that CNVs play a role in the prevalence of both BD and SZ. 

Reference 

Green, E. K., Rees, E., Walters, J. T. R., Smith, K. G., Forty, L., Grozeva, D., ... & Genovese, G. (2016). Copy number variation in bipolar disorder.  Molecular psychiatry ,  21 (1), 89.