The mood swings of people with bipolar disorder are influenced by their thoughts according to researchers.

A study by Lancaster University showed that how people interpret everyday experience affects their behavior and hence mood.

They found that positive thoughts like "I will excel in whatever I'm doing" or negative like "I'm going to have a breakdown" influence mood in a way in which a more neutral thought such as "I have a lot on and need to wind down" does not.

The study found that both thoughts and ascent behaviors predicted bipolar risk, characterized by a hypomanic personality style, while negative thoughts and descent behaviors were associated with depression.

Anyone who has worn a cast knows that rebuilding muscle strength once the cast is removed can be difficult. Now researchers at the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI) at Ohio University have found that the mind is critical in maintaining muscle strength following a prolonged period of immobilization and that mental imagery may be key in reducing the associated muscle loss.