Genetic studies will enhance clinicians' and researchers' understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disease. Genetic studies will also improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity associated with current medications, while raising the prospect of new treatments for this often‐devastating disease. Professor David Collier, from the Institute of Psychiatry in London, made these predictions during his lecture at the 6th LatestAdvances in Psychiatry Symposium held in London inApril 2007.Medical writer,Mark Greener,reports. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd