The medication tamoxifen, best known as a treatment for breast
cancer, dramatically reduces symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar
disorder more quickly than many standard medications for the mental
illness, a new study shows. Researchers at the National Institutes
of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) who conducted
the study also explained how: Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called
protein kinase C (PKC) that regulates activities in brain cells.
The enzyme is thought to be over-active during the manic phase
of bipolar disorder.

The medication tamoxifen, best known as a treatment for breast
cancer, dramatically reduces symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar
disorder more quickly than many standard medications for the mental
illness, a new study shows. Researchers at the National Institutes
of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) who conducted
the study also explained how: Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called
protein kinase C (PKC) that regulates activities in brain cells.
The enzyme is thought to be over-active during the manic phase
of bipolar disorder.