Kids are hypomanic at baseline. Meaning that they are energetic, usually in a great mood, capable of experiencing strong emotions, and highly curious. As kids grow older, the hypomania goes away. This has less to do with our archaic education system and more to do with changes in the brain. Dopamine levels decline, neuroplasticity declines, and presumably a plethora of other changes are happening.
What is it exactly that changes between “kid brain” and “adult brain”? I suspect that it could possibly be due to the differential expression of one, or likely multiple, key transcription factors – possibly TFs that govern neuroplasticity. For me, the days after doing ketamine I feel like a kid again, and it is known that ketamine activates a host of cascades, including gene expression changes, associated with neuroplasticity.
In bipolar disorder, during the (hypo)mania phase, the kid-like energy comes back. And usually the onset is quite sudden. Patients are usually driven, a charge of energy, and quite curious and eloquent (e.g., KeyTranscriptionFactor1 strongly downregulated) – even if before they were lethargic and depressed (e.g., KeyTranscriptionFactor1 strongly upregulated). During the “up” cycle of the disorder, many artists performed their greatest works during these episodes.
It begs the question whether the changes that are happening between “kid brain” and “adult brain” are also the changes that cause the “up” of bipolar disorder. Likewise, do the same changes but in the opposite direction happen in atypical depression? This is definitely a question worth exploring.
If so (which is hypothetical), is it possible to identify these transcription factors and possibly turn them on/off pharmacologically (or manipulate them via gene therapies)? If yes, that would not only be the ultimate treatment for depression, anhedonia, and mania but, given that there is a strong causal relationship between your biology and the extent to which you find life worthwhile, exciting, and meaningful, it may give us a tool to possibly recalibrate the human (biological) happiness setpoint to a higher level.
I, for one, would love to have a more “child-like” neurobiochemistry most of the time – full of fire, zest, and curiosity. If I had a billion dollars, hiring top researchers and exploring this question in depth would be among my top priorities.
Weekly observations
I share two Weekly Observations in my newsletter every week, similar to the one above. You can find the full archive here.
Disclaimer
The content available on this website is based on the author’s individual research, opinions, and personal experiences. It is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes and does not constitute medical advice. The author does not endorse the use of supplements, pharmaceutical drugs, or hormones without the direct oversight of a qualified physician. People should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they have read on the internet.