THURSDAY, May 16 (HealthScoutNews) -- Three drugs commonly used to treat manic depression all have something in common in the way they work.

Lithium, carbamazepine and valproic acid all deplete a neurotransmitter called inositol, researchers at University College in London say in a new study published in today's journal Nature.

This finding provides a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in manic depression and the action of the drugs used to treat it, the researchers say.

Their study suggests the search for clinical diagnostic tests and new mood-stabilizing drugs for manic depression should focus on inositol phosphate signaling pathways.

More information

While the above-named drugs and signaling patterns can be complex and confusing, this link to the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association can answer many basic questions as to how to deal with manic depression and bipolar disease.