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Favaretto E, Bedani F, Brancati G, De Berardis D, Giovannini S, Scarcella L, Martiadis V, Martini A, Pampaloni I, Perugi G, Pessina E, Raffone F, Ressico F, Cattaneo CI. Synthesising 30 years of clinical experience and scientific insight on affective temperaments in psychiatric disorders: State of the art. J Affect Disord 2024:S0165-0327(24)01059-0. [PMID: 38972642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The concept of affective temperament has been extensively discussed throughout the history of psychopathology and represents a cornerstone in the study of mood disorders. This review aims to trace the evolution of the concept of affective temperaments (ATs) from Kraepelin's seminal work to the present day. In the 1980s, Akiskal redefined Kraepelin's concept of affective temperaments (ATs) by integrating the five recognized ATs into the broader framework of the soft bipolar spectrum. This conceptualization viewed ATs as non-pathological predispositions underlying psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders. Epidemiological and clinical studies have validated the existence of the five ATs. Furthermore, evidence suggests that ATs may serve as precursors to various psychiatric disorders and influence clinical dimensions such as disease course, psychopathology, and treatment adherence. Additionally, ATs appear to play a significant role in moderating phenomena such as suicide risk and stress coping. Incorporating an evaluation of temperamental bases of disorders into the multidimensional psychiatric diagnostic process could enhance treatment optimization and prognosis estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Favaretto
- Department of Addiction, South Tyrol Health Care, Bressanone, Italy.
| | - F Bedani
- Mercy University Hospital, Cork, IRELAND
| | | | - D De Berardis
- Department of Psychiatry, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 4, Teramo, ITALY.
| | - S Giovannini
- Department of Addiction, South Tyrol Health Care, Bressanone, Italy
| | - L Scarcella
- Department of Psychiatry, South Tyrol Health Care, Bressanone, Italy.
| | - V Martiadis
- Department of Mental Health, Asl Napoli 1 Centro, Naples, Italy
| | - A Martini
- Department of Mental Health, ASL CN2 Alba - Bra, Italy
| | - I Pampaloni
- National OCD and BDD Unit, South West London and St Georges NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - G Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - E Pessina
- Department of Mental Health, ASL CN2 Alba - Bra, Italy
| | - F Raffone
- Department of Mental Health, Asl Napoli 1 Centro, Naples, Italy
| | - F Ressico
- Outpatient Unit Department of Mental Health Novara, Borgomanero, Italy
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Bartoli F, Malhi GS, Carrà G. Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective. Int J Bipolar Disord 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38696069 PMCID: PMC11065836 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-024-00336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This is an overview of recent advances on predominant polarity conceptualization in bipolar disorder (BD). Current evidence on its operationalized definitions, possible contextualization within the affective spectrum, along with its epidemiological impact, and treatment implications, are summarized. Predominant polarity identifies three subgroups of patients with BD according to their mood recurrencies: (i) those with depressive or (ii) manic predominance as well as (iii) patients without any preponderance ('nuclear' type). A predominant polarity can be identified in approximately half of patients, with similar rates for depressive and manic predominance. Different factors may influence the predominant polarity, including affective temperaments. More generally, affective disorders should be considered as existing on a spectrum ranging from depressive to manic features, also accounting for disorders with 'ultrapredominant' polarity, i.e., unipolar depression and mania. While mixed findings emerge on its utility in clinical practice, it is likely that the construct of predominant polarity, in place of conventional differentiation between BD-I and BD-II, may be useful to clarify the natural history of the disorder and select the most appropriate interventions. The conceptualization of predominant polarity seems to reconcile previous theoretical views of both BD and affective spectrum into a novel perspective. It may provide useful information to clinicians for the early identification of possible trajectories of BD and thus guide them when selecting interventions for maintenance treatment. However, further research is needed to clarify the specific role of predominant polarity as a key determinant of BD course, outcome, and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gin S Malhi
- Academic Department of Psychiatry, Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- CADE Clinic and Mood-T, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Reinfeld S, Yacoub A. An Examination of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Delivery of Care in Delirious Mania. J ECT 2022; 38:200-204. [PMID: 35462389 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Delirious mania is a severe life-threatening syndrome, often misdiagnosed, and eminently treatable as a variant of catatonia. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive examination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) parameters and clinical features, as well as describe the delivery of care of the patients with delirious mania. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted of the ECT records at Stony Brook University Hospital from years 2014 to 2021. We characterized demographic and clinical variables, including psychiatric diagnoses and ECT parameters of patients identified with delirious mania. RESULTS We identified 8 cases (3 women) of delirious mania with 8 corresponding acute treatment series. The mean age was 43.2 ± 12.6 years (range, 23-59 years). There were a total of 55 sessions performed with an average of 6.9 ± 2.6 (range, 5-13); 45 (82%) were bilateral (bifrontal or bitemporal) and 10 (18%) were right unilateral electrode placement. In 40 (73%) of the sessions, a high-energy stimulus was used (>60%, or 302 millicoulombs). Seizure duration measured on electroencephalogram was 47.4 ± 25.9 seconds (range, 0-143 seconds). Motor seizure duration measured on electromyogram was 32.7 ± 14.9 seconds (range, 0-66 seconds). In 6 cases, ECT was delayed for 10 days, and patients were given inappropriate treatments. High-dose antipsychotics caused worsened aggression and hemodynamic instability requiring physical restraints in 50% of cases. CONCLUSIONS The clinical presentation of delirious mania remains poorly recognized, and its treatment is often delayed, which may result in negative outcomes. Bilateral ECT with high-energy dosing yielded a rapid remission of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Reinfeld
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
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4
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Tondo L, Miola A, Pinna M, Contu M, Baldessarini RJ. Differences between bipolar disorder types 1 and 2 support the DSM two-syndrome concept. Int J Bipolar Disord 2022; 10:21. [PMID: 35918560 PMCID: PMC9346033 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-022-00268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare characteristics of bipolar disorder patients diagnosed as DSM-5 types I (BD-1) vs. II (BD-2). Methods We compared descriptive, psychopathological, and treatment characteristics in a sample of 1377 consenting, closely and repeatedly evaluated adult BD patient-subjects from a specialty clinic, using bivariate methods and logistic multivariable modeling. Results Factors found more among BD-2 > BD-1 cases included: [a] descriptors (more familial affective disorder, older at onset, diagnosis and first-treatment, more education, employment and higher socioeconomic status, more marriage and children, and less obesity); [b] morbidity (more general medical diagnoses, less drug abuse and smoking, more initial depression and less [hypo]mania or psychosis, longer episodes, higher intake depression and anxiety ratings, less mood-switching with antidepressants, less seasonal mood-change, greater %-time depressed and less [hypo]manic, fewer hospitalizations, more depression-predominant polarity, DMI > MDI course-pattern, and less violent suicidal behavior); [c] specific item-scores with initial HDRS21 (higher scores for depression, guilt, suicidality, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypochondriasis and weight-loss, with less psychomotor retardation, depersonalization, or paranoia); and [d] treatment (less use of lithium or antipsychotics, more antidepressant and benzodiazepine treatment). Conclusions BD-2 was characterized by more prominent and longer depressions with some hypomania and mixed-features but not mania and rarely psychosis. BD-2 subjects had higher socioeconomic and functional status but also high levels of long-term morbidity and suicidal risk. Accordingly, BD-2 is dissimilar to, but not necessarily less severe than BD-1, consistent with being distinct syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tondo
- International Consortium for Mood & Psychotic Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States. .,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States. .,Lucio Bini Mood Disorder Center, Via Cavalcanti 28, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Miola
- International Consortium for Mood & Psychotic Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pinna
- Department of Neuroscience, Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Contu
- Lucio Bini Mood Disorder Center, Via Cavalcanti 28, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ross J Baldessarini
- International Consortium for Mood & Psychotic Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Parker G, Spoelma MJ, Tavella G, Alda M, Hajek T, Dunner DL, O'Donovan C, Rybakowski JK, Goldberg JF, Bayes A, Sharma V, Boyce P, Manicavasagar V. Categorical differentiation of the unipolar and bipolar disorders. Psychiatry Res 2021; 297:113719. [PMID: 33486278 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
There has been a longstanding debate as to whether the bipolar disorders differ categorically or dimensionally, with some dimensional or spectrum models including unipolar depressive disorders within a bipolar spectrum model. We analysed manic/hypomanic symptom data in samples of clinically diagnosed bipolar I, bipolar II and unipolar patients, employing latent class analyses to determine if separate classes could be identified. Mixture analyses were also undertaken to determine if a unimodal, bimodal or a trimodal pattern was present. For both a refined 15-item set and an extended 30-item set of manic/hypomanic symptoms, our latent class analyses favoured three-class solutions, while mixture analyses identified trimodal distributions of scores. Findings argue for a categorical distinction between unipolar and bipolar disorders, as well as between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. Future research should aim to consolidate these results in larger samples, particularly given that the size of the unipolar group in this study was a salient limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Parker
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michael J Spoelma
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gabriela Tavella
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Alda
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tomas Hajek
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David L Dunner
- Center for Anxiety and Depression, Mercer Island, Washington, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Claire O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Janusz K Rybakowski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joseph F Goldberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Adam Bayes
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Verinder Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip Boyce
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vijaya Manicavasagar
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
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The Association of Bipolar Spectrum Psychopathology with Psychotic-Like and Schizotypic Symptoms. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-020-09805-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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7
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Reassessing the prevalence of bipolar disorders : clinical significance and artistic creativity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0767399x00002625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryKraepelin's broad concept of manic-depressive illness was challenged in the 1960s by several European and American investigators. This led to the unipolar-bipolar distinction, with considerable restriction of the boundaries of bipolar disorder in favor of unipolar depressions. This concept has now been implicity adopted by official systems of classification worldwide. This review summarizes recent research data that suggest that a partial return to Kraepelin's broad concept of manic-depressive illness is in order. In reassessing the unipolar-bipolar dichotomy, the authors propose that the classification of depressions should incorporate such nonsymptomatologic considerations as family history, temperament, abruptness of onset, recurrence (periodicity and seasonality), and Pharmacologie response.Depending on the definitions used, the unipolar-bipolar ratio has ranged from 10:1 to 4:1. Recent American and European investigations, including studies by the authors and their Italian collaborators, suggest that this ratio may be closer to 2:1 and even as low as 1:1. This conclusion is further supported by genetic data, prospective follow-up studies, pharmacologie response, and examination of interepisodic temperaments. Thus, many depressives with premorbid or intermorbid hyperthymie, irritable or cyclothymie temperaments can now be classified as bipolar. Variously referred to as pseudo-unipolar, unipolar II, bipolar III, bipolar II, or the “ soft” bipolar speetrum, these depressive conditions present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the clinician. Special subgroups may be at risk for rapid cycling when overexposed to tricyclic antidepressants. Finally, a significant minority of soft bipolars uppear to be prominent in leadership positions and artistic domains.
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Abstract
SummaryOne hundred and sixteen patients with RDC unipolar recurrent depressive disorder, melancholic subtype, were treated with imipramine or phenelzine and followed-up for six months. None of the patients had a first-degree relative with bipolar I disorder. Twenty-six patients (22.4%) presented an hypomanic episode (‘hypomanic group’). This group of patients, when depressed, had a significantly lower age of onset of the disorder and higher response to antidepressant therapy than patients who did not present an hypomanic episode. Significantly more patients (88%) of the ‘hypomanic group’ had at least one first-degree relative with a history of major depressive disorder. These patients displayed some of the typical features of bipolar II disorder. Overall results support the continuum in clinical phenomena between unipolar and bipolar disorders.
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A Review of Antidepressant-Associated Hypomania in Those Diagnosed with Unipolar Depression-Risk Factors, Conceptual Models, and Management. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2020; 22:20. [PMID: 32215771 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-020-01143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The nosology and management of antidepressant-associated hypomania (AAH) in the treatment of unipolar depression requires clarification. We sought to review recent studies examining AAH, focusing on risk factors, differing explanatory models, and management strategies. RECENT FINDINGS AAH occurs more frequently in those of female gender, younger age, and with a bipolar disorder (BP) family history. Depressive features (e.g., suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms) in those with AAH were similar to those with established BPs. Explanatory models for AAH describe it as (i) a transient iatrogenic event, (ii) a specific "bipolar III" disorder, (iii) indicative of "conversion" to BP, (iv) acceleration of BP, and (v) coincidental and unrelated to antidepressant medication. Management recommendations include antidepressant cessation, atypical antipsychotic medications, or switching to a mood stabilizer. Determinants and management of AAH in the treatment of unipolar depression requires considerable clarification, likely to be achieved by close clinical review and refined research studies.
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10
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The emergence of loss of efficacy during antidepressant drug treatment for major depressive disorder: An integrative review of evidence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:494-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Fornaro M, Anastasia A, Monaco F, Novello S, Fusco A, Iasevoli F, De Berardis D, Veronese N, Solmi M, de Bartolomeis A. Clinical and psychopathological features associated with treatment-emergent mania in bipolar-II depressed outpatients exposed to antidepressants. J Affect Disord 2018. [PMID: 29525354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment-emergent affective switch (TEAS), including treatment-emergent mania (TEM), carry significant burden in the clinical management of bipolar depression, whereas the use of antidepressants raises both efficacy, safety and tolerability concerns. The present study assesses the prevalence and clinical correlates of TEM in selected sample of Bipolar Disorder (BD) Type-II (BD-II) acute depression outpatients. METHODS Post-hoc analysis of the clinical and psychopathological features associated with TEM among 91 BD-II depressed outpatients exposed to antidepressants. RESULTS Second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) (p = .005), lithium (≤ .001), cyclothymic/irritable/hyperthymic temperaments (p = ≤ .001; p = .001; p = .003, respectively), rapid-cycling (p = .005) and depressive mixed features (p = .003) differed between TEM+ cases vs. TEM- controls. Upon multinomial logistic regression, the accounted psychopathological features correctly classified as much as 88.6% of TEM+ cases (35/91 overall sample, or 38.46% of the sample), yet not statistically significantly [Exp(B) = .032; p = ns]. Specifically, lithium [B = - 2.385; p = .001], SGAs [B = - 2.354; p = .002] predicted lower rates of TEM+ in contrast to the number of lifetime previous psychiatric hospitalizations [B = 2.380; p = .002], whereas mixed features did not [B = 1.267; p = ns]. LIMITATIONS Post-hoc analysis. Lack of systematic pharmacological history record; chance of recall bias and Berkson's biases. Permissive operational criterion for TEM. Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS Cyclothymic temperament and mixed depression discriminated TEM+ between TEM- cases, although only lithium and the SGAs reliably predicted TEM+/- grouping. Larger-sampled/powered longitudinal replication studies are warranted to allow firm conclusions on the matter, ideally contributing to the identification of clear-cut sub-phenotypes of BD towards patient-tailored-pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, NYC, NY, USA; Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Anastasia
- Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Monaco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', Section of Neuroscience, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Stefano Novello
- Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
| | - Andrea Fusco
- Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital "G. Mazzini", ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Solmi
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua Hospital, Psychiatry Unit, Padua, Italy.
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Federico II University, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Naples, Italy.
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Delport A, Harvey BH, Petzer A, Petzer JP. Methylene blue and its analogues as antidepressant compounds. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1357-1382. [PMID: 28762173 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methylene Blue (MB) is considered to have diverse medical applications and is a well-described treatment for methemoglobinemias and ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy. In recent years the focus has shifted to MB as an antimalarial agent and as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Of interest are reports that MB possesses antidepressant and anxiolytic activity in pre-clinical models and has shown promise in clinical trials for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. MB is a noteworthy inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which is a well-established target for antidepressant action. MB is also recognized as a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and guanylate cyclase. Dysfunction of the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) cascade is strongly linked to the neurobiology of mood, anxiety and psychosis, while the inhibition of NOS and/or guanylate cyclase has been associated with an antidepressant response. This action of MB may contribute significantly to its psychotropic activity. However, these disorders are also characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance. By acting as an alternative electron acceptor/donor MB restores mitochondrial function, improves neuronal energy production and inhibits the formation of superoxide, effects that also may contribute to its therapeutic activity. Using MB in depression co-morbid with neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, also represents a particularly relevant strategy. By considering their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, analogues of MB may provide therapeutic potential as novel multi-target strategies in the treatment of depression. In addition, low MAO-A active analogues may provide equal or improved response with a lower risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzelle Delport
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Anél Petzer
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Jacobus P Petzer
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Phenomenological studies on mood disorder are rare in Nepal which prompted us to undertake the current factor analytical study of mania. MATERIALS AND METHODS It was a cross-sectional descriptive study for which we did purposive sampling technique according to certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study sample consists of fifty patients, who fulfilled the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria for Manic Episode and/or Bipolar Affective Disorder-current episode mania. Tools used were ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research, Young's Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Principal component factor analysis was applied to the 35 symptoms taken from YMRS and BPRS. RESULTS Factor analysis revealed the presence of four main factors, which explained 51.082% of the total variance. These are "pure mania" which isolated 11 manic symptoms, "dysphoric mania" which isolated five depressive symptoms, "hostile mania" which isolated six symptoms, and the fourth factor, we called it "delirious mania," isolated four symptoms. CONCLUSION The identified factors and subtypes are a useful conceptualization of atypical features among patients with acute mania. Further validation studies are required to determine whether the identified subtypes are of clinical and theoretical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
| | - Tapas Kumar Aich
- Department of Psychiatry, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sandip Subedi
- Department of Psychiatry, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
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14
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Fountoulakis KN, Young A, Yatham L, Grunze H, Vieta E, Blier P, Moeller HJ, Kasper S. The International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder in Adults (CINP-BD-2017), Part 1: Background and Methods of the Development of Guidelines. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:98-120. [PMID: 27815414 PMCID: PMC5408969 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper includes a short description of the important clinical aspects of Bipolar Disorder with emphasis on issues that are important for the therapeutic considerations, including mixed and psychotic features, predominant polarity, and rapid cycling as well as comorbidity. METHODS The workgroup performed a review and critical analysis of the literature concerning grading methods and methods for the development of guidelines. RESULTS The workgroup arrived at a consensus to base the development of the guideline on randomized controlled trials and related meta-analyses alone in order to follow a strict evidence-based approach. A critical analysis of the existing methods for the grading of treatment options was followed by the development of a new grading method to arrive at efficacy and recommendation levels after the analysis of 32 distinct scenarios of available data for a given treatment option. CONCLUSION The current paper reports details on the design, method, and process for the development of CINP guidelines for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The rationale and the method with which all data and opinions are combined in order to produce an evidence-based operationalized but also user-friendly guideline and a specific algorithm are described in detail in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Allan Young
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lakshmi Yatham
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Grunze
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eduard Vieta
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pierre Blier
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans Jurgen Moeller
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Psychiatric Department, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Woo YS, Shim IH, Wang HR, Song HR, Jun TY, Bahk WM. A diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorder predicts diagnostic conversion from unipolar depression to bipolar disorder: a 5-year retrospective study. J Affect Disord 2015; 174:83-8. [PMID: 25486276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major aims of this study were to identify factors that may predict the diagnostic conversion from major depressive disorder (MDD) to bipolar disorder (BP) and to evaluate the predictive performance of the bipolar spectrum disorder (BPSD) diagnostic criteria. METHODS The medical records of 250 patients with a diagnosis of MDD for at least 5 years were retrospectively reviewed for this study. RESULTS The diagnostic conversion from MDD to BP was observed in 18.4% of 250 MDD patients, and the diagnostic criteria for BPSD predicted this conversion with high sensitivity (0.870) and specificity (0.917). A family history of BP, antidepressant-induced mania/hypomania, brief major depressive episodes, early age of onset, antidepressant wear-off, and antidepressant resistance were also independent predictors of this conversion. LIMITATIONS This study was conducted using a retrospective design and did not include structured diagnostic interviews. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic criteria for BPSD were highly predictive of the conversion from MDD to BP, and conversion was associated with several clinical features of BPSD. Thus, the BPSD diagnostic criteria may be useful for the prediction of bipolar diathesis in MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sup Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Hee Shim
- Department of Psychiatry, Cancer Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Ryung Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoo Rim Song
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Youn Jun
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Myong Bahk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Le Bas J, Newton R, Sore R, Castle D. The prestige model of spectrum bipolarity. Med Hypotheses 2015; 84:122-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Is the concept of delirious mania valid in the elderly? A case report and a review of the literature. Case Rep Psychiatry 2013; 2013:432568. [PMID: 23984152 PMCID: PMC3745928 DOI: 10.1155/2013/432568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Delirious mania has been well recognized in the published literature and in the clinic. Over the years there has been refinement of understanding of its clinical features, course, and treatment. The literature suggests that delirious mania should be considered in individuals who present with a constellation of sudden onset delirium, mania, and psychosis. However, delirious mania is not recognized under a formal classification system nor are there any formal guidelines for its treatment. We, as such, question if the concept of delirious mania in the elderly is valid. We present a case of an elderly man with marked features of delirium with minimal manic or psychotic features who had a previous diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. On thorough clinical assessments no identifiable cause of his delirium was found. We therefore considered his presentation to be more likely due to delirious mania. Electroconvulsive therapy was considered and offered to which he responded very well. We invite the reader to consider whether delirious mania is a valid concept in the elderly, where features of delirium may be more prominent than manic or psychotic features.
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18
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Abstract
Delirious mania is a severe but under-recognized neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by the rapid onset of delirium, mania, and psychosis, not associated with a prior toxicity, physical illness, or mental disorder. Catatonia is often a prominent feature of the syndrome. While initially believed to be rare, recent reports suggest that delirious mania may constitute up to 15% of all acute mania cases. When delirious mania is unrecognized or improperly treated, it can progress rapidly in severity and can become life-threatening. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of delirious mania and includes a detailed case report. Delirious mania is robustly responsive to high-dose lorazepam or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); thus, early recognition and definitive treatment can be life-saving.
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19
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Delirious mania: can we get away with this concept? A case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Psychiatry 2012. [PMID: 23198239 PMCID: PMC3502817 DOI: 10.1155/2012/720354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Delirious mania (DM) as a clinical entity is well described, yet is often unrecognized in clinical practice. While most often misdiagnosed as acute psychotic episodes of organic delirium, these patients meet the criteria for mania with attendant delirium and pose therapeutic challenges. In addition to the case presentation, this paper also discusses the available literature on DM. Case Presentation. A 29-year-old man with DM was treated with a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), divalproex 2000 mg/day, loxapine 100 mg/day, and lorazepam 4 mg/day. He demonstrated clinically significant improvement by day 10, which persisted through the twelve-month follow-up period. Conclusions. DM is a severe psychiatric syndrome which should be accurately diagnosed. Patients with DM should be treated aggressively, especially with ECT. Lack of recognition of DM can lead to serious morbidity or fatal outcomes. Though the concept of DM is well established, recent psychiatric literature does not make a mention of this life threatening yet treatable condition. We propose that there is a dire need to keep this concept alive.
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20
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Lee BS, Huang SS, Hsu WY, Chiu NY. Clinical features of delirious mania: a series of five cases and a brief literature review. BMC Psychiatry 2012; 12:65. [PMID: 22716018 PMCID: PMC3503657 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-12-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the cause and psychopathology of delirious mania, a type of disorder where delirium and mania occur at the same time. This condition still has no formal diagnostic classification. To provide more information about this potentially life-threatening condition, we studied five patients with delirious mania. METHODS We describe the cases of five patients with delirious mania admitted to an acute inpatient psychiatric unit between January 2005 and January 2007, and discuss the cases in the context of a selective review of the clinical literature describing the clinical features and treatment of delirious mania. RESULTS Two patients had two episodes of delirious mania. Delirium usually resolved faster than mania though not always the case. Delirious mania remitted within seven sessions of the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). CONCLUSIONS Delirious mania is a potentially life-threatening but under-recognized neuropsychiatric syndrome. Delirious mania that is ineffectively treated may induce a new-onset manic episode or worsen an ongoing manic episode, and the patient will need prolonged hospitalization. Delirious mania also has a close relationship with catatonia. Early recognition and aggressive treatment, especially with electroconvulsive therapy, can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Shyan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Lu-Tung Branch of Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Si-Sheng Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lu-Tung Branch of Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Center of General Education, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Lu-Tung Branch of Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Ying Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Lu-Tung Branch of Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
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21
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Abstract
The frequency of mania has not changed during the last century even with the development of new diagnostic criteria sets. More specifically, from the mid-1970s to 2000, the rate of mania (variably labeled major affective disorder-bipolar disorder and bipolar I disorder) was consistently identified in US and international studies as ranging from 0.4% to 1.6%. By the late 1990s to the 2000s, the prevalence reported by some researchers for bipolar disorders (I and II and others) was in the 5% to 7% and higher ranges. The purpose of this paper was to review explanations for this change and the potentially negative impacts on the field.
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Many studies - including meta-analyses - do not distinguish between bipolar I and II disorder. The aim of this study is to review the recent literature on the prevalence, correlates, consequences, and treatment patterns of bipolar II disorder. RECENT FINDINGS In the past 2 years, several important studies have been conducted in the bipolar II field. The World Mental Health Survey initiative provides us with prevalence rate across 11 countries, while several meta-analyses on suicide and neurocognition directly compared bipolar I with bipolar II, informing us on the severe consequences of bipolar II disorder. Results from studies showed that the lifetime prevalence rate of bipolar II disorder in adults across 11 countries was 0.4%. Rates of bipolar II disorder in prospective studies of adolescents are substantially greater, with lifetime rates approaching 3-4%. SUMMARY Evidence from these studies regarding comparable clinical consequences, patterns of comorbidity, suicide attempts, family history, and treatment patterns to bipolar I disorder document the validity of the bipolar II subtype.
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23
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Souery D, Zaninotto L, Calati R, Linotte S, Mendlewicz J, Sentissi O, Serretti A. Depression across mood disorders: review and analysis in a clinical sample. Compr Psychiatry 2012; 53:24-38. [PMID: 21414619 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2011.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this article we aimed to: (1) review literature concerning the clinical and psychopathologic characteristics of Bipolar (BP) depression; (2) analyze an independent sample of depressed patients to identify any demographic and/or clinical feature that may help in differentiating mood disorder subtypes, with special attention to potential markers of bipolarity. METHODS A sample of 291 depressed subjects, including BP -I (n = 104), BP -II (n = 64), and unipolar (UP) subjects with (n = 53) and without (n = 70) BP family history (BPFH), was examined to evidence potential differences in clinical presentation and to validate literature-derived markers of bipolarity. Demographic and clinical variables and, also, single items from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were compared among groups. RESULTS UP subjects had an older age at onset of mood symptoms. A higher number of major depressive episodes and a higher incidence of lifetime psychotic features were found in BP subjects. Items expressing depressed mood, depressive anhedonia, pessimistic thoughts, and neurovegetative symptoms of depression scored higher in UP, whereas depersonalization and paranoid symptoms' scores were higher in BP. When compared with UP, BP I had a significantly higher incidence of intradepressive hypomanic symptoms. Bipolar family history was found to be the strongest predictor of bipolarity in depression. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings confirm most of the classical signs of bipolarity in depression and support the view that some features, such as BPFH, together with some specific symptoms may help in detecting depressed subjects at higher risk for BP disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Souery
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Medicale, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Psy Pluriel, Centre Europeén de Psychologie Medicale, Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Mazza M, Mandelli L, Zaninotto L, Di Nicola M, Martinotti G, Harnic D, Bruschi A, Catalano V, Tedeschi D, Colombo R, Bria P, Serretti A, Janiri L. Factors associated with the course of symptoms in bipolar disorder during a 1-year follow-up: depression vs. sub-threshold mixed state. Nord J Psychiatry 2011; 65:419-26. [PMID: 21728783 DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2011.593101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed mood states, even in their sub-threshold forms, may significantly affect the course and outcome of bipolar disorder (BD). AIM To compare two samples of BD patients presenting a major depressive episode and a sub-threshold mixed state in terms of global functioning, clinical outcome, social adjustment and quality of life during a 1-year follow-up. METHODS The sample was composed by 90 subjects (Group 1, D) clinically diagnosed with a major depressive episode and 41 patients (Group 2, Mx) for a sub-threshold mixed state. All patients were administered with a pharmacological treatment and evaluated for depressive, anxious and manic symptoms by common rating scales. Further evaluations included a global assessment of severity and functioning, social adjustment and quality of life. All evaluations were performed at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. RESULTS The two groups were no different for baseline as well as improvement in global severity and functioning. Though clearly different for symptoms severity, the amount of change of depressive and anxiety symptoms was also no different. Manic symptoms showed instead a trend to persist over time in group 2, whereas a slight increase of manic symptoms was observed in group 1, especially after 6 months of treatment. Moreover, in group 1, some manic symptoms were also detected at the Young Mania Rating Scale (n = 24, 26.6%). Finally, improvement in quality of life and social adjustment was similar in the two groups, though a small trend toward a faster improvement in social adjustment in group 1. CONCLUSIONS Sub-threshold mixed states have a substantial impact on global functioning, social adjustment and subjective well-being, similarly to that of acute phases, or at least major depression. In particular, mixed features, even in their sub-threshold forms, tend to be persistent over time. Finally, manic symptoms may be still often underestimated in depressive episodes, even in patients for BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Mazza
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Bipolar Disorders Unit, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- JULES ANGST
- Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital, Zurich,
Switzerland
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26
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Abstract
The idea of a "bipolar spectrum" is controversial due to 1) lack of widely accepted definitions, 2) concern that spectrum definitions might subsume cases with non-bipolar disorders, 3) worry that "diagnostic creep" may lead practitioners to overdiagnose bipolar disorder in marginal cases, and 4) worry that more diagnosis of bipolar spectrum may increase aggressive pharmacotherapy. These concerns are weighed against theoretical and empiric evidence converging in support of the bipolar spectrum as having prognostic and prescriptive validity. Practitioners can use inexpensive and practical strategies to incorporate the spectrum concept into their work while minimizing risks of overdiagnosis or unnecessary medication exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Youngstrom
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27599-3270, USA.
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27
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Presicci A, Lecce P, Ventura P, Margari F, Tafuri S, Margari L. Depressive and adjustment disorders - some questions about the differential diagnosis: case studies. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2010; 6:473-81. [PMID: 20856910 PMCID: PMC2938296 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s8134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in youth are still problematic because in this age the clinical presentation is atypical, and the diagnostic tools and the therapies are the same as that used for the adults. Mood disorders are categorically divided into unipolar disorders (major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder) and bipolar disorder in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision), but mood symptoms are also comprised in the diagnostic criteria of the adjustment disorder (AD), which occur in many different psychiatric disorders, and may also be found in some physical conditions. The differential diagnosis is not much addressed in the midst of clinical investigation and so remains the major problem in the clinical practice. AIMS The associations between some variables and the depressive disorder and AD were analyzed to make considerations about differential diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reported a retrospective study of 60 patients affected by depressive disorder and AD. The analysis has evaluated the association between some variables and the single diagnostic categories. We have considered 10 variables, of which 6 are specific to the disorders, and 4 have been considered related problems. RESULTS The statistical analysis showed significant results for the associations of 3 variables (prevalent symptoms, treatment, and family history) with the single diagnostic categories. CONCLUSION The discriminate analysis resulted in statistically significant differences between patients with depressive disorders and those with AD on 3 variables, of which 2 are specific to the disorders, and 1 is included in the related problems. The other variables were weakly associated with the single diagnostic categories without any statistically significant differences. The 3 variables that were associated with the single diagnostic categories support the distinct construct validity of the 2 diagnostic categories, but, to date, it is difficult to establish if these variables can be considered diagnostic predictors. On the other hand, the other variables did not support the distinct construct validity of the 2 diagnostic categories, which suggest an overlapping and dimensional concept. The spectrum approach could unify categorical classification that is essential with a dimensional view. Combination of dimensional and categorical principles for classifying mood disorders may help to reduce the problems of underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Presicci
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Neurologic and Psychiatric Science, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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28
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Moreno DH, Andrade LH. Latent class analysis of manic and depressive symptoms in a population-based sample in São Paulo, Brazil. J Affect Disord 2010; 123:208-15. [PMID: 19896205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2009.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current diagnostic criteria cannot capture the full range of bipolar spectrum. This study aims to clarify the natural co-segregation of manic-depressive symptoms occurring in the general population. METHODS Using data from the Sao Paulo Catchment Area Study, latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to eleven manic and fourteen depressive symptoms assessed through CIDI 1.1 in 1464 subjects from a community-based study in Sao Paulo, Brazil. All manic symptoms were assessed, regardless of presence of euphoria or irritability, and demographics, services used, suicidality and CIDI/DSM-IIIR mood disorders used to external validate the classes. RESULTS The four obtained classes were labeled Euthymics (EU; 49.1%), Mild Affectives (MA; 31.1%), Bipolars (BIP; 10.7%), and Depressives (DEP; 9%). BIP and DEP classes represented bipolar and depressive spectra, respectively. Compared to DEP class, BIP exhibited more atypical depressive characteristics (hypersomnia and increase in appetite and/or weight gain), risk of suicide, and use of services. Depressives had rates of atypical symptoms and suicidality comparable to oligosymptomatic MA class subjects. LIMITATIONS The use of lay interviewers and DSM-IIIR diagnostic criteria, which are more restrictive than the currently used DSM-IV TR. CONCLUSIONS Findings of high prevalence of bipolar spectrum and of atypical symptoms and suicidality as indicators of bipolarity are of great clinical importance, due to different treatment needs, and higher severity. Lifetime sub-affective and syndromic manic symptoms are clinically significant, arguing for the need of revising DSM bipolar spectrum categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Hupfeld Moreno
- Mood Disorders Unit (GRUDA), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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29
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Tondo L, Vázquez G, Baldessarini RJ. Mania associated with antidepressant treatment: comprehensive meta-analytic review. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2010; 121:404-14. [PMID: 19958306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review available data pertaining to risk of mania-hypomania among bipolar (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with vs. without exposure to antidepressant drugs (ADs) and consider effects of mood stabilizers. METHOD Computerized searching yielded 73 reports (109 trials, 114 521 adult patients); 35 were suitable for random effects meta-analysis, and multivariate-regression modeling included all available trials to test for effects of trial design, AD type, and mood-stabilizer use. RESULTS The overall risk of mania with/without ADs averaged 12.5%/7.5%. The AD-associated mania was more frequent in BPD than MDD patients, but increased more in MDD cases. Tricyclic antidepressants were riskier than serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs); data for other types of ADs were inconclusive. Mood stabilizers had minor effects probably confounded by their preferential use in mania-prone patients. CONCLUSION Use of ADs in adults with BPD or MDD was highly prevalent and moderately increased the risk of mania overall, with little protection by mood stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tondo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School and McLean Division of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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30
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Novick DM, Swartz HA, Frank E. Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disord 2010; 12:1-9. [PMID: 20148862 PMCID: PMC4536929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00786.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of suicide attempts (SA) in bipolar II disorder (BPII), particularly in comparison to the prevalence in bipolar I disorder (BPI), is an understudied and controversial issue with mixed results. To date, there has been no comprehensive review of the published prevalence data for attempted suicide in BPII. METHODS We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis of published reports that specified the proportion of individuals with BPII in their presentation of SA data. Systematic searching yielded 24 reports providing rates of SA in BPII and 21 reports including rates of SA in both BPI and BPII. We estimated the prevalence of SA in BPII by combining data across reports of similar designs. To compare rates of SA in BPII and BPI, we calculated a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with random-effect meta-analytic techniques with retrospective data from 15 reports that detailed rates of SA in both BPI and BPII. RESULTS Among the 24 reports with any BPII data, 32.4% (356/1099) of individuals retrospectively reported a lifetime history of SA, 19.8% (93/469) prospectively reported attempted suicide, and 20.5% (55/268) of index attempters were diagnosed with BPII. In 15 retrospective studies suitable for meta-analysis, the prevalence of attempted suicide in BPII and BPI was not significantly different: 32.4% and 36.3%, respectively (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.98-1.48, p = 0.07). CONCLUSION The contribution of BPII to suicidal behavior is considerable. Our findings suggest that there is no significant effect of bipolar subtype on rate of SA. Our findings are particularly alarming in concert with other evidence, including (i) the well-documented predictive role of SA for completed suicide and (ii) the evidence suggesting that individuals with BPII use significantly more violent and lethal methods than do individuals with BPI. To reduce suicide-related morbidity and mortality, routine clinical care for BPII must include ongoing risk assessment and interventions targeted at risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Casamassima F, Huang J, Fava M, Sachs GS, Smoller JW, Cassano GB, Lattanzi L, Fagerness J, Stange JP, Perlis RH. Phenotypic effects of a bipolar liability gene among individuals with major depressive disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:303-9. [PMID: 19388002 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Variations in voltage-dependent calcium channel L-type, alpha 1C subunit (CACNA1C) gene have been associated with bipolar disorder in a recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies [Ferreira et al., 2008]. The impact of these variations on other psychiatric disorders has not been yet investigated. Caucasian non-Hispanic participants in the STAR*D study of treatment for depression for whom DNA was available (N = 1213) were genotyped at two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs10848635 and rs1006737) in the CACNA1C gene. We examined putative phenotypic indicators of bipolarity among patients with major depression and elements of longitudinal course suggestive of latent bipolarity. We also considered remission and depression severity following citalopram treatment. The rs10848635 risk allele was significantly associated with lower levels of baseline agitation (P = 0.03; beta = -0.09). The rs1006737 risk allele was significantly associated with lesser baseline depression severity (P = 0.04; beta = -0.4) and decreased likelihood of insomnia (P = 0.047; beta = -0.22). Both markers were associated with an increased risk of citalopram-emergent suicidality (rs10848635: OR = 1.29, P = 0.04; rs1006737: OR = 1.34, P = 0.02). In this exploratory analysis, treatment-emergent suicidality was associated with two risk alleles in a putative bipolar liability gene.
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Faravelli C, Gorini Amedei S, Scarpato MA, Faravelli L. Bipolar Disorder: an impossible diagnosis. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2009; 5:13. [PMID: 19531219 PMCID: PMC2706827 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-5-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Following the recent debates on the discrepancy between the predominant weight of bipolar disorder (BPD) in the clinical reality and its relatively low prevalence figures emerging from epidemiological surveys, the present paper contends the ability of current operational diagnostic system to properly detect the clinical entity of bipolar disorder. As an episode of mania/hypomania is the necessary requirement for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made, in this editorial we maintain that: a) the most severe forms of mania, characterized by cloudy consciousness, mood incongruent delusions, and physical symptoms are likely to escape DSM IV criteria, that are shaped around hypomania or mild mania; b) the impossibility to diagnose mania when this occurs during antidepressant treatments impedes diagnosing those cases whose natural illness pattern is Depression followed by Mania (known as DMI pattern); c) given that approximately 50% of cases have their onset of BPD with affective episodes other than mania/hypomania any prevalence figure necessarily underestimates BPD; d) the sub-threshold forms of BPD, well described in the concept of Bipolar Spectrum, are beyond the possibility to be recognized using operational diagnoses in spite of their utmost clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Faravelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.
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Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and bipolar spectrum disorders: review of the evidence of a relationship and treatment implications. CNS Spectr 2008; 13:796-803. [PMID: 18849899 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900013924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances. The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common, contributing to caregiver burden and premature institutionalization. Management of BPSD is complex and often needs recourse to psychotropic drugs. Though widely prescribed, there is a lack of consensus concerning their use, and serious side effects are frequent. This is particularly the case with antidepressant treatment based on the assumption that BPSD is depressive in nature. A better understanding of BPSD etiology could lead to better management strategies. We submit that some BPSD could be the consequence of both dementia and an undiagnosed comorbid bipolar spectrum disorder, or a pre-existing bipolar diathesis pathoplastically altering the clinical expression of dementia. The existence of such a relationship is based on clinical observation, as far as the high frequency of bipolar spectrum disorders in the general population, with a prevalence estimated to be between 5.4% and 8.3%, and the psychopathological similarities between BPSD and mood disorder episodes in bipolar illness. We will review the concept of the bipolar spectrum and explain BPSD before proposing clinical pointers of a possible bipolar spectrum contaminating the phenomenology of dementia, which could lead to the targeted prescription of mood-stabilizing agents in lieu of antidepressant monotherapy. These considerations are of heuristic interest in reconceptualizing the origin of the behavioral manifestations of dementia, with important implications for geriatric practice.
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Seal K, Mansell W, Mannion H. What lies between hypomania and bipolar disorder? A qualitative analysis of 12 non-treatment-seeking people with a history of hypomanic experiences and no history of major depression. Psychol Psychother 2008; 81:33-53. [PMID: 18396518 DOI: 10.1348/147608307x209896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the thoughts of a group of 12 individuals over 30 years of age with a history of hypomanic experiences using the qualitative method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. These individuals were specifically selected on the basis of a self-reported history of hypomanic experiences (according to the mood disorder questionnaire, MDQ), and screened to rule out a history of mania or major depression, and therefore not fulfilling the criteria for bipolar I or II disorders. Thus, the current participants represent a unique sample of individuals, previously underreported in the literature. The aim of the interview was to determine the protective factors or characteristics which may prevent such individuals from experiencing hypomanic experiences that significantly disrupt their level of functioning. Three clusters of emergent themes emerged in the interviews: 'positive qualities of hypomanic experiences', 'the social meaning of hypomanic experiences', and 'having hypomanic experiences is not a problem'. The responses to several interview questions are also provided, which highlight the situations preceding hypomanic experiences, possible explanations for their experiences not going out of control, and typical responses of other people to the participants' behaviour. Findings are discussed in relation to a recent cognitive model of bipolar disorder and mood swings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Seal
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Abstract
The bipolar spectrum model suggests that several patient presentations not currently recognized by the DSM warrant consideration as part of a mood disorders continuum. These include hypomania or mania associated with antidepressants; manic symptoms which fall short of the current DSM threshold for hypomania; and depression attended by multiple non-manic markers that are associated with bipolar course. Evidence supporting the inclusion of these groups within the realm of bipolar disorder (BP) is examined. Several diagnostic tools for detecting and characterizing these patient groups are described. Finally, options for altering DSM-IV criteria to allow some of the above patient presentations to be recognized as bipolar are considered. More data on the validity and utility of these alterations would be useful, but limited changes appear warranted now. We describe an additional BP Not Otherwise Specified (BP NOS) example which creates a subthreshold hypomanic analogue to cyclothymia, consistent with existing BP NOS criteria. This change should be accompanied by additional requirements for the assessment and reporting of non-manic bipolar markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Phelps
- Corvallis Psychiatric Clinic, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.
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Woo YS, Chae JH, Jun TY, Kim KS, Bahk WM. The bipolar diathesis of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2008; 12:142-6. [PMID: 24916626 DOI: 10.1080/13651500701749867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective. In this study, we determined the prevalence of bipolarity in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) by investigating demographic and clinical characteristics, diagnostic subtypes and illness outcome of patients with resistant depression. Methods. A medical record review of patients who were admitted to a university hospital with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) was conducted. DSM-IV diagnoses at the index hospitalization and 6 months after discharge and detailed clinical information were obtained. We categorized subjects into a TRD group or a non-TRD group and re-evaluated the patients using the criteria for bipolar spectrum disorders. Results. There were 281 patients diagnosed with MDD. At discharge, the number of patients who fulfilled the criteria for BSD was higher in the TRD group (47.1%) than in the non-TRD group (3.8%) (P<0.001). At the end of the 6-month follow-up period, the diagnoses of 38 patients were changed; 18 (26.5%) of the TRD group were subsequently classified as having a bipolar disorder, as were seven (3.3%) in the non-TRD group (P<0.001). There was no difference between these two groups for other clinical and demographic variables. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that many patients with TRD have a bipolar diathesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sup Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BPD NOS) and who are considered to represent part of the bipolar spectrum. The lifetime prevalence of BPD in the general population may be as high as 6% when the full spectrum of bipolar disorders is accounted for. Correct identification of true bipolar patients in clinical settings may result in more appropriate treatment. Our hypothesis was that patients with BPD NOS would be more similar to other bipolar patients than major depressive disorder (MDD) patients in terms of age of onset, history of suicidal behavior and family history of BPD. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review to extract and analyze data on the family history, disease course and clinical characteristics of 305 bipolar disorder I (BPD I), bipolar disorder II (BPD II), bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BPD NOS) or major depressive disorder (MDD) patients who were then grouped by diagnosis for analysis. Nominal variables were compared between groups using chi-square tests and ANOVA was used to compare means between groups for continuous variables. Significant F values were followed by independent-samples t-tests. RESULTS Patients with BPD I, BPD II and BPD NOS were all found to have a significantly earlier mean age of onset of depression than MDD patients. A significantly higher incidence of bipolar illness in a first-degree relative was found in all BPD groups (27-32%) compared with MDD patients (11%). Only the BPD I group had a significantly higher rate of suicide attempts (42%), compared with the BPD NOS (17%) and MDD recurrent (16%) groups. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the conclusions of others that an early age of onset and a positive family history of bipolar illness are associated not only with BPD I and II but also with 'softer' forms of bipolar illness, which DSM-IV classifies as BPD NOS and the current literature refers to as a category of 'bipolar spectrum disorder', albeit with varying proposed definitions and diagnostic criteria. Suicide attempt history may be more useful in identifying the severity of illness than distinguishing the bipolar spectrum from depressive disorders. Further research is needed to clearly define the boundaries of the bipolar spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia D Bader
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Benazzi F. Is there a continuity between bipolar and depressive disorders? PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2007; 76:70-6. [PMID: 17230047 DOI: 10.1159/000097965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies questioned the current categorical split of mood disorders into bipolar disorders (BP) and depressive disorders (MDD). METHODS Medline database search of papers from the last 10 years on the categorical-dimensional classification of mood disorders. Various combinations of the following key words were used: mood disorders, bipolar, unipolar, major depressive disorder, spectrum, category/categorical, classification, continuity. Only English language clinical papers were included, review papers were excluded, similar papers selected by quality. The number of papers found was 1,141. The number of papers selected was 109. RESULTS The continuity/spectrum between BP (mainly BP-II) and MDD was supported by the following findings:(1) high frequency of mixed states (mixed mania, mixed hypomania, mixed depression, i.e. co-occurring depression and noneuphoric manic/hypomanic symptoms) because opposite polarity symptoms in the same episode do not support a hypomania/mania-depression splitting; (2) MDD was the most common mood disorder in BP probands' relatives; (3) no bimodal distribution of distinguishing symptoms between BP and MDD; (4) bipolar signs not uncommon in MDD; (5) many MDD shifting to BP; (6) many lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms in MDD; (7) correlation between lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms and MDD symptoms; (8) hypomania factors in MDD; (9) MDD often recurrent; (10) similar cognitive style. The categorical distinction between BP (mainly BP-I) and MDD was supported by the following findings: (1) BP more common in BP probands' relatives; (2) lower age at BP onset; (3) females as common as males in BP-I, more common than males in MDD; (4) BP-I depression more atypical and retarded, MDD depression more sleepless and agitated; (5) BP more recurrent. CONCLUSIONS Focusing on mood spectrum's extremes (BP-I vs. MDD), a categorical distinction seems supported. Focusing on midway disorders (BP-II and MDD plus bipolar signs), a continuity/spectrum seems supported. Results seem to support both a categorical and a dimensional view of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Benazzi
- Hecker Psychiatry Research Center, and Department of Psychiatry, National Health Service, Forli, Italy.
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Abstract
The two-dimensional bipolar spectrum described here comprises a continuum of severity from normal to psychotic and a continuum from depression, via three bipolar subgroups to mania. This combination of dimensional and categorical principles for classifying mood disorders may help alleviate the problems of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of bipolar disorders.
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Akiskal HS, Akiskal KK, Lancrenon S, Hantouche EG, Fraud JP, Gury C, Allilaire JF. Validating the bipolar spectrum in the French National EPIDEP Study: overview of the phenomenology and relative prevalence of its clinical prototypes. J Affect Disord 2006; 96:197-205. [PMID: 16824616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2005] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have been undertaken to ascertain the feasibility of using the bipolar (BP) spectrum in clinical practice. The only systematic national study is the French EPIDEP Study of consecutive inpatients and outpatients presenting with major depressive episodes (MDE). The protocol was developed in 1994 and implemented in 1995; publication of its first data began in 1998. This report provides the complete data set of the EPIDEP. METHODS Forty-eight psychiatrists, practicing in 15 sites in four regions of France (Paris, Besançon, Bordeaux and Marseille), were all trained on a common protocol based on DSM-IV criteria for MDE (n=537) subdivided into BP-I (history of mania), BP-II (history of hypomania), as well as extended definitions of the "softer spectrum" beyond BP-I and BP-II. Measures tapping into this spectrum included the Hypomania Checklist (HCA), the cyclothymic (CT), depressive (DT) and hyperthymic (HT) temperament scales. These measures and course permitted post-hoc assignment of MDE in the bipolar spectrum, based in part on the Akiskal, H.S., Pinto, O., 1999. [The evolving bipolar spectrum: Prototypes I, II, III, IV. Psychiatr. Clin. North Am. 22, 517-534] proposal: depression with history of spontaneous hypomanic episodes (DSM-IV, BP-II), cyclothymic depressions (BP-II(1/2)), antidepressant-associated hypomania (BP-III) and hyperthymic depressions (BP-IV). <<Strict UP>> was thereby limited to an exclusion diagnosis for the remainder of MDE. LIMITATION In the clinical setting, psychiatrists cannot be entirely blind to the observations in the various clinical evaluations and instruments. However, the systematic multisite collection of such data tended to minimize any such biases. RESULTS After excluding patients lost to follow-up, among 493 presenting with MDE with complete data files, the BP-II rate was estimated at index at 20%; 1 month later, systematic probing for hypomania doubled the rate of BP-II to 39%. The comparison between BP-II and UP showed differential phenomenology, such as hypersomnia, increased psychomotor activation, guilt feelings and suicidal thoughts in BP-II. Related data demonstrated the importance of CT in further qualifying of MDE to define a distinct, more severe ("darker") BP-II(1/2) variant of BP-II. Moreover, BP-III, arising from DT and associated with antidepressants, emerged as a valid soft bipolar variant on the basis of the phenomenology of hypomania and bipolar family history. Finally, we found preliminary evidence for the inclusion of BP-IV into the bipolar spectrum, its total hypomania score falling intermediate between BP-II and strict UP. Using this broader diagnostic framework, the bipolar spectrum (the combined "hard" BP-I phenotype, BP-II and the soft spectrum) accounted for 65% of MDE. CONCLUSION The EPIDEP study achieved its objectives by demonstrating the feasibility of identifying the bipolar spectrum at a national level, and refining its phenomenology through rigorous clinical characterization and validation of bipolar spectrum subtypes, including MDE with brief hypomanias, cyclothymia and hyperthymia. The spectrum accounted for two out of three MDE, making "strict UP" less prevalent than BP as redefined herein. Our findings were anticipated by Falret, who in 1854 had predicted that many melancholic patients in the community would 1 day be classified in his circular group. We also confirmed Baillarger's observation in the same year that episodes (in this study, hypomanic episodes) could last as short as 2 days. Our findings deriving from a systematic French national database a century and a half later invite major shifts in clinical and public health services, as well as in the future conduct of psychopharmacologic trials. In this respect, the systematic training of clinicians in four regions of France represents a national resource for affective disorders and can serve as a model to effect change in diagnostic practice in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagop S Akiskal
- International Mood Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
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Henry C, Desage A. Aux confins de la bipolarité. Encephale 2006; 32 Pt 2:S526-30. [PMID: 17099568 DOI: 10.1016/s0013-7006(06)76198-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Henry
- Hôpital Charles Perrens, Bâtiment Lescure, 121, rue de la Béchade, 33076 Bordeaux cedex
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Akiskal HS, Benazzi F. The DSM-IV and ICD-10 categories of recurrent [major] depressive and bipolar II disorders: evidence that they lie on a dimensional spectrum. J Affect Disord 2006; 92:45-54. [PMID: 16488021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presently it is a hotly debated issue whether unipolar and bipolar disorders are categorically distinct or lie on a spectrum. We used the ongoing Ravenna-San Diego Collaboration database to examine this question with respect to major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar II (BP-II). METHODS The study population in FB's Italian private practice setting comprised consecutive 650 outpatients presenting with major depressive episode (MDE) and ascertained by a modified version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Differential assignment of patients into MDD versus BP-II was made on the basis of discrete hypomanic episodes outside the timeframe of an MDE. In addition, hypomanic signs and symptoms during MDE (intra-MDE hypomania) were systematically assessed and graded by the Hypomania Interview Guide (HIG). The frequency distributions of the HIG total scores in each of the MDD, BP-II and the combined entire sample were plotted using the kernel density estimate. Finally, bipolar family history (BFH) was investigated by structured interview (the Family History Screen). RESULTS There were 261 MDD and 389 BP-II. As in the previous smaller samples, categorically defined BP-II compared with MDD had significantly earlier age at onset, higher rates of familial bipolarity (mostly BP-II), history of MDE recurrences (>or=5), and atypical features. However, examining hypomania scores dimensionally, whether we examined the MDD, BP-II, or the combined sample, kernel density estimate distribution of these scores had a normal-like shape (i.e., no bimodality). Also, in the combined sample of MDE, we found a dose-response relationship between BFH loading and intra-MDE hypomania measured by HIG scores. LIMITATIONS Although the interviewer (FB) could not be blind to the diagnostic status of his private patients, the systematic rigorous interview process in a very large clinical population minimized any unintended biases. CONCLUSIONS Unlike previous studies that have examined the number of DSM-IV hypomanic signs and symptoms both outside and during MDE, the present analyses relied on the more precise hypomania scores as measured by the HIG. The finding of a dose-response relationship between BFH and HIG scores in the sample at large strongly suggests a continuity between BP-II and MDD. Our data indicate that even in those clinically depressed patients without past hypomanic episodes (so-called "unipolar" MDD), such scores are normally rather than bimodally distributed during MDE. Moreover, the absence of a 'zone of rarity' in the distribution of hypomanic scores in the combined total, MDD and BP-II MDE samples, indicates that MDD and BP-II exist on a dimensional spectrum. From a nosologic perspective, our data are contrary to what one would expect from a categorical unipolar-bipolar distinction. In practical terms, intra-MDE hypomania and BFH, especially in recurrent MDD, represent strong indicators of bipolarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagop S Akiskal
- International Mood Center, University of California at San Diego, VA Psychiatry Service, 116A, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, 92161, USA.
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Mackinnon DF, Pies R. Affective instability as rapid cycling: theoretical and clinical implications for borderline personality and bipolar spectrum disorders. Bipolar Disord 2006; 8:1-14. [PMID: 16411976 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2006.00283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders guidelines provide only a partial solution to the nosology and treatment of bipolar disorder in that disorders with common symptoms and biological correlates may be categorized separately because of superficial differences related to behavior, life history, and temperament. The relationship is explored between extremely rapid switching forms of bipolar disorder, in which manic and depressive symptoms are either mixed or switch rapidly, and forms of borderline personality disorder in which affective lability is a prominent symptom. METHODS A MedLine search was conducted of articles that focused on rapid cycling in bipolar disorder, emphasizing recent publications (2001-2004). RESULTS Studies examined here suggest a number of points of phenomenological and biological overlap between the affective lability criterion of borderline personality disorder and the extremely rapid cycling bipolar disorders. We propose a model for the development of 'borderline' behaviors on the basis of unstable mood states that sheds light on how the psychological and somatic interventions may be aimed at 'breaking the cycle' of borderline personality disorder development. A review of pharmacologic studies suggests that anticonvulsants may have similar stabilizing effects in both borderline personality disorder and rapid cycling bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS The same mechanism may drive both the rapid mood switching in some forms of bipolar disorder and the affective instability of borderline personality disorder and may even be rooted in the same genetic etiology. While continued clinical investigation of the use of anticonvulsants in borderline personality disorder is needed, anticonvulsants may be useful in the treatment of this condition, combined with appropriate psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean F Mackinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Abstract
Recent studies have questioned current diagnostic systems that split mood disorders into the independent categories of bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. The current classification of mood disorders runs against Kraepelin's unitary view of manic-depressive insanity (illness). The main findings of recent studies supporting a continuity between bipolar disorders (mainly bipolar II disorder) and major depressive disorder are presented. The features supporting a continuity between bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder currently are 1) depressive mixed states (mixed depression) and dysphoric (mixed) hypomania (opposite polarity symptoms in the same episode do not support a splitting of mood disorders); 2) family history (major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in relatives of bipolar probands); 3) lack of points of rarity between the depressive syndromes of bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder; 4) major depressive disorder with bipolar features such as depressive mixed states, young onset age, atypical features, bipolar family history, irritability, racing thoughts, and psychomotor agitation; 5) a high proportion of major depressive disorders shifting to bipolar disorders during long-term follow-up; 6) a high proportion of major depressive disorders with history of manic and hypomanic symptoms; 7) factors of hypomania present in major depressive disorder episodes; 8) recurrent course of major depressive disorder; and 9) depressive symptoms much more common than manic and hypomanic symptoms in the course of bipolar disorders.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Bipolar, or manic-depressive, disorders are frequent and severe mental illnesses associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Epilepsy and bipolar disorder could probably share some aspects of pathophysiology because manic as well as depressive symptoms are seen in patients with seizures, and a number of antiepileptic drugs are effectively used in the acute and prophylactic treatment of bipolar disorder. Epidemiologic research suggests a dimensional composition of bipolar illness at the population level. Apart from the DSM-IV diagnostic features of bipolar I (mania and depression) and bipolar II (hypomania and depression), the concept of bipolar spectrum disorders comprises a range of bipolar conditions with less obvious manifestations with estimated lifetime prevalence rates ranging from 2.8 to 6.5%. Expanding the definition of bipolar II disorders shows that half of the patients currently diagnosed with a unipolar depressive episode could suffer from unrecognized bipolar II disorder, and about the same number of mild depressive patients could be minor bipolars. Research efforts to refine the diagnostic criteria of bipolar disorder aim at an earlier and complete recognition of the disease to provide appropriate pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment early in the course of the illness to anticipate individual suffering, suicidal behavior, and increased socioeconomic costs for society. This article also discusses risk factors, comorbid conditions, course of illness, as well as the individual and socioeconomic impact of bipolar disorders. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest reconceptualizing bipolar illnesses as highly recurrent, malignant disorders that occur far more frequently than previously thought. Interdisciplinary knowledge transfer could help to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders as well as provide grounds for better recognition and treatment of patients with manic and/or depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bauer
- Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany.
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Chiaroni P, Hantouche EG, Gouvernet J, Azorin JM, Akiskal HS. The cyclothymic temperament in healthy controls and familially at risk individuals for mood disorder: endophenotype for genetic studies? J Affect Disord 2005; 85:135-45. [PMID: 15780684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2003.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2003] [Accepted: 12/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modern concept of affective disorders focuses increasingly on the study of subthreshold conditions on the border of manic or depressive episodes. Indeed, a spectrum of affective conditions spanning from temperament to clinical episodes has been proposed by the senior author. As bipolar disorder is a familial illness, an examination of cyclothymic temperament (CT) in controls and relatives of bipolar patients is of major relevance. METHODS We recruited a total sample of 177 healthy symptom-free volunteers. These controls were divided into three groups. The first one is comprised of 100 normal subjects with a negative familial affective history (NFH); the second of 37 individuals, with positive affective family history (PFH); and a third of 40 subjects, with at least one sib or first-degree kin with bipolar disorder type I according to the DSM-IV (BPR). The last two groups defined at risk individuals. We interviewed all subjects with CT, as described by the senior author. RESULTS We found a statistically significant difference in the rates of CT between the subjects in BPR versus others. CT was also more prevalent in the PFH compared with NFH. Additionally, the simple numeration of the CT traits exhibited gradation in the distribution of individuals inside the NFH, PFH and BPR. Finally, categorically defined CT and CT traits predominated in females. LIMITATION and CONCLUSION Although not all relatives of bipolar probands were studied, our results exhibit an aggregation of CT in families with affective disorder-and more specifically those with bipolar background. These results allow us to propose the importance of including CT for phenotypic characterization of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, our results support a spectrum concept of bipolar disorder, whereby CT is distributed in ascending order in the well-relatives of those with depressive and bipolar disorders. We submit that this temperament represents a behavioral endophenotype, serving as a link between molecular and behavioral genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Chiaroni
- Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Bd. Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France.
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Biondi M, Picardi A, Pasquini M, Gaetano P, Pancheri P. Dimensional psychopathology of depression: detection of an 'activation' dimension in unipolar depressed outpatients. J Affect Disord 2005; 84:133-9. [PMID: 15708410 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2001] [Accepted: 04/03/2002] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders, most instruments currently available for the assessment of depression do not explore symptoms of 'activation' such as anger, irritability, aggressiveness, hostility, and psychomotor activation. METHODS Two samples of adults with unipolar depression were studied. They had no comorbid DSM-IV disorder, and they were free from antidepressant drugs. The first sample (n = 380) was assessed with the SVARAD, a validated scale for the rapid assessment of the main psychopathological dimensions. The second sample (n = 143) was assessed with the MMPI-2. Factor analysis was performed on SVARAD items and MMPI-2 clinical scales. RESULTS In both samples, we obtained a three-factor solution with factors interpreted as a depressive dimension, an anxious dimension, and an activation dimension. The latter dimension appeared to be clinically relevant in 20-27% of patients. LIMITATIONS The presence of a comorbid disorder may have been missed in some cases. Also, some bipolar II patients might have been misdiagnosed as unipolar and included in the study. Further, our findings apply only to a selected psychiatric population, and it should be tested whether they generalize to other settings of care and other countries. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that depressive mixed states are not rare even in patients diagnosed as unipolar, and that some unipolar patients might actually be 'pseudounipolar' and belong to the bipolar spectrum. More in general, our findings suggest that some depressed patients have prominent symptoms of activation that can easily go unnoticed using instruments that do not explore such symptoms. Detecting these symptoms has important treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Biondi
- Clinica Psichiatrica III, Dipartimento di Scienze Psichiatriche e Medicina Psicologica, University La Sapienza of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30-00185 Rome, Italy.
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Pasquini M, Picardi A, Biondi M, Gaetano P, Morosini P. Relevance of anger and irritability in outpatients with major depressive disorder. Psychopathology 2004; 37:155-60. [PMID: 15237244 DOI: 10.1159/000079418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2003] [Accepted: 03/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current psychiatric classification systems underestimate the part played by anger and aggressiveness in unipolar depression. This study was designed to assess the relevance of anger, irritability, aggressiveness, hostility, and psychomotor activation in major depressive disorder. METHODS A total of 222 newly admitted consecutive outpatients with major depressive disorder (mean age 48.9 years, 64.4% females) were enrolled in the study. They had no comorbid axis I or II DSM-IV disorder, and they received no treatment with antidepressants in the preceding 2 months. They were assessed with the SVARAD, a validated scale for the rapid assessment of the main psychopathological dimensions. Principal component analysis was performed on SVARAD items. RESULTS We obtained a three-factor solution accounting for 47.4% of total variance. The factors were interpreted as 'anger/irritability', 'depression', and 'anxiety', respectively. The anger/irritability dimension was clinically relevant in 23% of patients. Anger/aggressiveness was especially frequent (21.6%), whereas psychomotor activation was infrequent (0.9%). DISCUSSION In depressive disorders, there are psychopathological dimensions other than depressed mood and anxiety that deserve greater clinical recognition and research. Our study suggests that one of these symptom clusters includes anger, irritability, aggressiveness, and hostility. The relevance of this dimension was not related to concurrent pharmacological treatment. Misdiagnosis of bipolar II disorder is also unlikely to explain our findings. Possibly, personality factors might at least partly explain the occurrence of anger and aggressiveness in several depressed patients. Attachment theory suggests that anger might also be conceived as part of the protest-despair-detachment reaction to a loss, either actual or symbolic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pasquini
- Department of Psychiatric Science and Psychological Medicine, University 'La Sapienza' of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
An early recognition of bipolar disorders may have an important impact on the prognosis of this disorder according to different mechanisms. Bipolar disorder is nevertheless not easy to detect, the diagnosis being correctly proposed after, in average more than a couple of Years and three different doctors assessments. A short delay before introducing the relevant treatment should help avoiding inappropriate treatments (prescribing, for example, neuroleptics for long periods, antidepressive drugs each time depressive symptoms occurs, absence of treatment despite mood disorders), with their associated negative impact such as mood-switching, rapid cycling or presence of chronic side-effects stigmates. Furthermore, non-treated mood disorders in bipolar disorder are longer, more stigmatizing and may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour and mortality. Lastly, compliance, an important factor regarding the long term prognosis of bipolar disorder, should be improved when there is a short delay between correct diagnosis and treatment and onset of the disorder. We therefore propose to review the literature for the different pitfalls involved in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Non-bipolar mood-disorders are frequently quoted as one of the alternative diagnosis. Hyperthymic temperament, side-effects of prescribed treatments and organic comorbid disorders may be involved. Bipolar disorders have a sex-ratio closer to 1 (men are thus more frequently of the bipolar type in mood-disorders), with earlier age at onset, and more frequent family history of suicidal attempts and bipolar disorder. Schizo-affective disorders are also a major concern regarding the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This is explained by flat affects sometimes close to anhedonia, presence of a schizoïd personality in bipolar disorder, persecutive hostility that can be considered to be related to irritability rather than a schizophrenic symptom. Rapid cycling, mixed episodes and short euthymia periods may also increase the risk to shift from bipolar to schizophrenia diagnosis. Schizophreniform disorder ("bouffée délirante" aiguë in France) is a frequent form of bipolar disorder onset when major dissociative features are not obvious. The borderline personality is also a problem for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, some Authors proposing that bipolar disorder is a mood-related personality disorder, sometimes improved by mood-stabilizers. Phasic instead of reactional, weeks and not days-length, clearcut onset and recovery versus non-easy to delimit mood-episodes may help to adjust the diagnosis. Organic disorders may lead to diagnostic confusion, but it is generally proposed that bipolar disorder should be treated the same way, whether or not an organic condition is detected (with special focus on treatment tolerance). Addictive disorders are frequent comorbid conditions in bipolar disorders. Psychostimulants (such as amphetamins or cocaine) intoxications sometimes mimic manic episodes. As these drugs are preferentially chosen by subjects with bipolar disorder, the later diagnosis should be systematically assessed. Puerperal psychosis is a frequent type of onset in female bipolar disorder. The systematic prescription of mood-stabilizers for and after such episode, when mood elation is a major symptom, is generally proposed. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder also has unclear border with bipolar disorder, as a quarter of child hyperactivity may be latterly associated with bipolar disorder. The assessment of mood cycling and their follow-up in adulthood may thus be particularly important. Lastly, presence of some anxious disorders may delay the diagnosis of comorbid bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gorwood
- Hôpital Louis Mourier, Service de Psychiatrie, 178, rue des Renouillers, 92700 Colombes, Paris, France
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