Towards an Evolutionary View of Bipolar Disorders

Abstract

Comments on an article by M. G. Carta et al. (see record [rid]2018-09979-001[/rid]). Carta et al. presented us with some interesting hypotheses about how cities’ noise and light pollution might influence our mental health and increase the risk for bipolar disorder. They suggested that we may be facing an evolutionary decoupling of habits and adaptive demands. From an evolutionary perspective, the authors assumed that having an excess of energy during a sleepless night episode may have had an adaptive effect. They pointed out that we were accustomed to resting at night and awakening due to light (or noise) may be undoubtedly associated with a stress reaction that urges a consumption of mental and physical resources. It can be supposed and scientifically tested that if the city demands that biological rhythms be broken, people with a basic predisposition to living with biologic rhythms different from what was considered normal in a previous moment of human life may be in an adaptive state. Carta et al. advanced the hypothesis that the blockade of night-time production of melatonin due to light pollution may play an important role in the genesis of bipolar disorder also as a consequence of the effect that melatonin exerts on the stability of steroid hormones. Another challenge for future research tests will be the development of animal models that could be compared to the complexity of environmental challenges in the modern world. And we must always consider that modern life and its demanding are changing every day, mainly increasing its stress factors. A long-term study of risk and resilience relationship to mental disorders onset could also present us the perspective of preventive measures to psychiatric disorders and promote a better life for people daily challenged by the rapid modern world demands. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)