A prospective study of the impact of smoking on outcomes in bipolar and schizoaffective disorder

Cigarette smoking and risk of suicide in bipolar disorder: a systematic review

Objective

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly prevalent, chronic and recurrent mental illness. The smoking rates in patients with BD are much higher than those of the general population, and BD is associated with an increased risk of suicide. An association between smoking and suicidal behavior has been found in the general population, this systematic review examines whether there is evidence of an association between smoking and suicide behavior in patients with BD.

Method

A database search was carried out in Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, updated until December 31st, 2021, according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We identified prospective and retrospective studies that included patients diagnosed with BD types I, II, and not otherwise specified, and in which smoking and suicidal behavior were correlated. Articles that focused exclusively on other mental disorders were excluded. The Ottawa-Newcastle scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included articles.

Results

Fifteen articles (n = 7,395) met all the inclusion criteria. In nine of these articles, the authors found an association between smoking and suicidal behavior in BD, while in the remaining six articles, this association was not found. A great deal of variability was observed between articles, particularly in the measurement of suicidal behavior and tobacco consumption. The risk of bias, as assessed by the NOS, was high for most of the included articles, except for two papers, whose risk was low.

Conclusion

It was not possible to establish a clear relationship between tobacco use and the risk of suicide in BD patients due to the heterogeneity of the articles included in this systematic review, which had different sample sizes and methodological issues. However, both conditions are highly prevalent and have a negative impact on the prognosis of BD. Therefore, a systematic approach is needed, based on accurate measurement of a patient's smoking habits and their risk of suicidal behavior, in order to establish an appropriate therapeutic plan.

Additional information

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors and was registered on PROSPERO with the CRD42022301570 on January 21th 2022.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Report: A Systematic Review and Recommendations of Cannabis use in Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

BACKGROUND

Given the increasing acceptability and legalization of cannabis in some jurisdictions, clinicians need to improve their understanding of the effect of cannabis use on mood disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this task force report is to examine the association between cannabis use and incidence, presentation, course and treatment of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, and the treatment of comorbid cannabis use disorder.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to October 2020 focusing on cannabis use and bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, and treatment of comorbid cannabis use disorder. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and clinical considerations were integrated to generate Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 12,691 publications, 56 met the criteria: 23 on bipolar disorder, 21 on major depressive disorder, 11 on both diagnoses and 1 on treatment of comorbid cannabis use disorder and major depressive disorder. Of 2,479,640 participants, 12,502 were comparison participants, 73,891 had bipolar disorder and 408,223 major depressive disorder without cannabis use. Of those with cannabis use, 2,761 had bipolar disorder and 5,044 major depressive disorder. The lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was 52%-71% and 6%-50% in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, respectively. Cannabis use was associated with worsening course and symptoms of both mood disorders, with more consistent associations in bipolar disorder than major depressive disorder: increased severity of depressive, manic and psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder and depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder. Cannabis use was associated with increased suicidality and decreased functioning in both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Treatment of comorbid cannabis use disorder and major depressive disorder did not show significant results.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that cannabis use is associated with worsened course and functioning of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Future studies should include more accurate determinations of type, amount and frequency of cannabis use and select comparison groups which allow to control for underlying common factors.

Bipolar disorder and tobacco smoking: Categorical and dimensional clinical correlates in subjects from the Brazilian bipolar research network

BACKGROUND

People with bipolar disorder (BD) have high rates of smoking. However, the scientific literature examining the association between clinical outcomes in BD and tobacco smoking is still limited and there are conflicting results. The objective of the current study was to comprehensively investigate associations between BD and tobacco smoking in a large Brazilian sample.

METHODS

This study evaluated 336 outpatients from the Brazilian Bipolar Research Network, which is a collaboration between three large academic centers in Brazil.

MAIN FINDINGS

Regarding the categorical analysis (i.e. current smokers versus non-smokers), tobacco smokers showed: 1) a higher percentage of individuals identifying as Non-Caucasians; 2) a longer duration of illness; 3) a longer duration of untreated illness; 4) more severe manic symptoms; 4) a stronger family history of mood disorder; and 6) a higher current prevalence of alcohol/substance use disorder. The dimensional analysis in smokers (i.e. number of cigarettes per day versus clinical variables) found a positive correlation between number of cigarettes per day and a) age, b) age at onset of BD, c) duration of illness, and d) current diagnosis of panic disorder.

CONCLUSION

This study found important clinical correlates of tobacco smoking in BD subjects. We observed that the variables associated with current smoker status (categorical approach) are not necessarily correlated with number of cigarettes per day (dimensional approach). Duration of illness appears to be a particularly relevant clinical variable in the association between BD and tobacco smoking.

A cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with the intention to engage in tobacco treatment among inpatients in a state psychiatric hospital

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People admitted to psychiatric facilities have high rates of tobacco use and hospitalizations present an opportunity for patients to have conversations about tobacco use treatment. Clinicians may believe that people with mental illnesses are not interested in quitting or that they do not understand the importance of treatment. Positive attitudes towards tobacco treatment, viewing that participating in treatment is normal care, and feeling that one is quite able to participate in such treatment predicts intentions to participate in treatment, which, in turn, predicts actual participation. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Psychiatric patients who use tobacco use report poor prior involvement with tobacco treatment. Positive attitudes towards, encouraging opinions of other people about, and having a sense of control over taking part in tobacco treatment increases plans to engage in treatment. Having a sense of control in taking part in tobacco treatment is strongly associated with prior experiences with evidence-based treatment. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Because psychiatric hospitalizations are an opportunity for addressing tobacco use and treatment, clinicians should be prepared to support willing patients, especially those with prior substance use histories. Support should include providing them with information regarding tobacco treatment options during their hospital stay and ways that they can continue to receive care after discharge. Clinicians should be promoters of pro-tobacco treatment attitudes and supporting patients' sense of control over participating in treatment during hospitalization.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Hospitalized tobacco users with mental illnesses (MI) may face several barriers to stopping smoking. However, motivational factors that affect the intention to engage in tobacco treatment have been shown to predict actual engagement. Aim To use the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess intentions to and prior experiences of engaging in evidence-based tobacco treatment among hospitalized individuals with MI. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 115 patients in a state psychiatric hospital. Multivariate analyses were used to examine associations with the intentions and prior experiences of engaging in tobacco treatment. Results After controlling for demographic and smoking history, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control towards engaging in tobacco treatment were significantly associated with intentions towards treatment engagement. Only higher scores on perceived behavioural control and lower education levels were associated with reported prior experiences of tobacco treatment. Discussion The low prior treatment engagement scores, but relatively higher intention to engage scores among participants suggests the need for deliberate support for evidence-based tobacco treatment during psychiatric hospitalizations. Implications for practice Clinician training in tobacco treatment can promote self-efficacy to engage patients while supporting patients' control so that tobacco treatment is an expected component of psychiatric care.

Does the number of previous mood episodes moderate the relationship between alcohol use, smoking and mood in bipolar outpatients?

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that alcohol use and smoking are negatively associated with mood in bipolar disorders (BD). It is unknown if this relationship is moderated by the number of previous mood episodes. Therefore, this paper aims to examine whether the number of previous mood episodes moderates the relationship between alcohol use and smoking, and mood.

METHOD

This study assessed the outcomes of 108 outpatients with BD I and II in a prospective observational cohort study. For 1 year, subjects daily registered mood symptoms and substance use with the prospective Life Chart Method. The relationship between the average daily consumption of alcohol and tobacco units in the whole year and mood were examined by multiple linear regression analyses. Number of previous mood episodes, grouped into its quartiles, was added as effect moderator. Outcome was the number of depressive, hypomanic and manic days in that year.

RESULTS

The number of depressive days in a year increased by 4% (adjusted β per unit tobacco = 1.040; 95% CI 1.003-1.079; p = 0.033) per unit increase in average daily tobacco consumption in that same year. Interaction analyses showed that in those subjects with less than 7 previous mood episodes, the number of manic and hypomanic days increased by 100.3% per unit increase in alcohol consumption (adjusted β per unit alcohol = 2.003; 95% CI 1.225-3.274; p = 0.006). In those with 7 to 13 previous mood episodes, the number of manic and hypomanic days decreased by 28.7% per unit increase in alcohol consumption (adjusted β per unit alcohol = 0.713; 95% CI 0.539-0.944; p = 0.019); and in subjects with 14 to 44 previous mood episodes, the number of manic and hypomanic days decreased by 7.2% per unit increase in tobacco consumption (adjusted β per unit tobacco = 0.928; 95% CI 0.871-0.989; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of previous mood episodes moderates the relationship between alcohol use and smoking and mood; and smoking is adversely associated with the number of depressive days.

Interaction between smoking and depressive symptoms with subclinical heart disease in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate whether smoking exposure and depressive symptoms accumulated over 25 years are synergistically associated with subclinical heart disease, measured by coronary artery calcification (CAC).

METHOD

Participants (baseline: 54.5% women; 51.5% Black; age range = 18-30 years) were followed prospectively from 1985 to 2010 in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Smoking status was queried yearly from Year 0 to Year 25 to compute packyears of smoking exposure. Depressive symptoms were measured on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale every 5 years to compute cumulative scores from Year 5 to Year 25. A three-level multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between cumulative smoking, cumulative depressive symptoms, and their interaction with moderate-risk CAC (score 1-99) and higher-risk CAC (score ≥100) compared with no CAC (score = 0) at Year 25. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral covariates.

RESULTS

Among 3,189 adults, the cumulative Smoking × Depressive Symptoms interaction was not significant for moderate-risk CAC (p = .057), but was significant for higher-risk CAC (p = .001). For adults with a 30-packyear smoking history, average CES-D scores 2, 10, and 16 were, respectively, associated with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) 3.40 (2.36-4.90), 4.82 (3.03-7.66), and 6.25 (3.31-11.83) for higher-risk CAC (all ps < .05).

CONCLUSION

Cumulative smoking exposure and cumulative depressive symptoms have a synergistic association with subclinical heart disease, where higher lifetime smoking exposure and depressive symptoms are associated with greater odds of CAC. (PsycINFO Database Record

Factors Associated With Staff Engagement in Patients' Tobacco Treatment in a State Psychiatric Facility

BACKGROUND

Persons with mental illnesses (MI) who use tobacco are likely to experience poorer physical health and worsened psychiatric symptomology as compared to their non-tobacco-using counterparts. Therefore, engaging them in treatment is an important aspect of evidence-based care.

OBJECTIVE

To use the theory of planned behavior to examine factors associated with intentions to provide and the provision of evidence-based tobacco treatment.

DESIGN

This study is based on a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from 195 staff at a state psychiatric hospital.

RESULTS

When controlling for demographic variables, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control toward providing tobacco treatment were associated with intentions to provide tobacco treatment, but only subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were associated with reported provision of evidence-based tobacco treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding factors that influence provider delivery of tobacco treatment can better determine strategies to reduce the disproportionate tobacco use and related illnesses in behavioral health settings.

Areas of controversy in neuroprogression in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to review clinical features and biological underpinnings related to neuroprogression in bipolar disorder (BD). Also, we discussed areas of controversy and future research in the field.

METHOD

We systematically reviewed the extant literature pertaining to neuroprogression and BD by searching PubMed and EMBASE for articles published up to March 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 114 studies were included. Neuroimaging and clinical evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies show that a subset of patients with BD presents a neuroprogressive course with brain changes and unfavorable outcomes. Risk factors associated with these unfavorable outcomes are number of mood episodes, early trauma, and psychiatric and clinical comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Illness trajectories are largely variable, and illness progression is not a general rule in BD. The number of manic episodes seems to be the clinical marker more robustly associated with neuroprogression in BD. However, the majority of the evidence came from cross-sectional studies that are prone to bias. Longitudinal studies may help to identify signatures of neuroprogression and integrate findings from the field of neuroimaging, neurocognition, and biomarkers.

Implementation of psychiatric-focused lifestyle medicine programs in Asia

Lifestyle-focused health programs are growing in interest throughout Western society, and a range of lifestyle factors are known to enhance both physical and mental health. However, it remains largely unknown as to whether this approach is salient for the Asian context. The major components of integrative lifestyle-focused health programs to enhance mental and physical health are considered to include the evidence-based adoption of physical activity and exercise, dietary modification, general psychoeducation, adequate relaxation/sleep and social interaction, use of mindfulness techniques, the reduction of substance use, attention of intersecting environmental factors, and the potential use of motivation and goal-setting techniques. This paper outlines an overview of the evidence underpinning these elements, and discusses potential barriers and challenges, and what logistical considerations may need to be addressed in the implementation of such programs within the context of Asian cultures.

A combined analysis of worldwide studies demonstrates an association between bipolar disorder and tobacco smoking behaviors in adults

OBJECTIVES

Worldwide studies were combined to examine two hypotheses: (i) bipolar disorder is associated with smoking behaviors, compared with the general population; and (ii) smoking behavior prevalences in bipolar disorder are intermediate between those in major depressive disorder and those in schizophrenia.

METHODS

Combined analyses used 56 articles on adults obtained from a PubMed search or the senior author's article collection. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) compared current smoking, heavy smoking among current smokers, smoking cessation in ever smokers, and ever smoking in bipolar disorder versus control groups.

RESULTS

The combined OR was 3.5 (CI: 3.39-3.54) in 51 current smoking studies of bipolar disorder versus the general population from 16 countries. More limited data provided an OR = 0.34 (CI: 0.31-0.37) for smoking cessation and an OR = 3.6 (CI: 3.30-3.80) for ever smoking. The combined OR was 0.76 (CI: 0.74-0.79) for current smoking in bipolar disorder versus schizophrenia in 20 studies from ten countries. Ever smoking may be lower in bipolar disorder than in schizophrenia (OR = 0.83, CI: 0.75-0.91). The OR was 2.05 (CI: 2.00-2.10) for current smoking in bipolar disorder versus major depression in 18 studies from seven countries. Ever smoking may be higher (OR = 1.5, CI: 1.40-1.70) and smoking cessation lower (OR = 0.51, CI: 0.45-0.59) in bipolar disorder than in major depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased current smoking in bipolar disorder versus the general population reflected increased ever smoking (initiation) and decreased smoking cessation. Smoking behavior frequencies in bipolar disorder may be between those in depressive disorder and schizophrenia, with schizophrenia showing the highest severity level.

Impact of Cannabis Use on Long-Term Remission in Bipolar I and Schizoaffective Disorder

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of regular cannabis use on long-term remission of mood symptoms in bipolar spectrum disorders.

METHODS

The 24-month prospective observational study included patients (n=239) with bipolar I disorder and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Participants were classified as regular cannabis users (three times or more per week) or non-users. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of remission on the evaluations during the 24 months.

RESULTS

Of the 234 participants for whom data was available, 25 (10.7%) were regular cannabis users, and the group comprised significantly more males than females. In the total population, cannabis use was significantly associated with decreased likelihood of remission during the 24-month follow-up period. Subgroup analyses showed that cannabis use was significantly associated with lower remission rates on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in females (n=139) and patients prescribed mood stabilizers alone (n=151), whereas in males (n=95) and patients prescribed olanzapine and/or a mood stabilizer (n=83), cannabis use was significantly associated with lower remission rates on the Young Mania Rating Scale. Remission rates were lowest in the concurrent cannabis and tobacco smoking group (n=22) followed by the tobacco smoking only group (n=97), and the non-smoker group (n=116). The post-hoc analysis revealed that all remission rates were significantly lower in the concurrent cannabis and the tobacco smoking group compared to the non-smoker group.

CONCLUSION

Cannabis use negatively affects the long-term clinical outcome in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. A comprehensive assessment and integrated management of cannabis use are required to achieve better treatment outcomes for bipolar spectrum disorders.

Tobacco use in bipolar disorder

Tobacco use in mental health in general and bipolar disorder in particular remains disproportionally common, despite declining smoking rates in the community. Furthermore, interactions between tobacco use and mental health have been shown, indicating the outcomes for those with mental health disorders are impacted by tobacco use. Factors need to be explored and addressed to improve outcomes for those with these disorders and target specific interventions for people with psychiatric illness to cease tobacco smoking. In the context of bipolar disorder, this review explores; the effects of tobacco smoking on symptoms, quality of life, suicidal behavior, the biological interactions between tobacco use and bipolar disorder, the interactions between tobacco smoking and psychiatric medications, rates and factors surrounding tobacco smoking cessation in bipolar disorder and suggests potential directions for research and clinical translation. The importance of this review is to bring together the current understanding of tobacco use in bipolar disorder to highlight the need for specific intervention.

A longitudinal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study investigating oxidative stress as a result of alcohol and tobacco use in youth with bipolar disorder

Alcohol and tobacco have been suggested to be "aggravating factors" for neuroprogression in bipolar disorder (BD), however the impact of these substances on the underlying neurobiology is limited. Oxidative stress is a key target for research into neuroprogression in BD and in accordance with this model, our previous cross-sectional studies have found that risky alcohol and tobacco use in BD is associated with increased oxidative stress, investigated via in vivo glutathione (GSH) measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). What remains unknown is whether the negative impact on GSH levels can be modified as a result of limiting alcohol and tobacco use. Thirty BD patients were included in the study. (1)H-MRS and tobacco and alcohol measures were conducted at baseline and follow-up assessments (15.5±4.6 months apart). Pearson׳s correlations were performed between percentage change in GSH concentration and changes in alcohol/tobacco use. Regression analyses were then conducted to further explore the significant correlations. An increase in GSH was associated with a decrease in alcohol consumption (r=-0.381, p<0.05) and frequency of tobacco use (-0.367, p=0.05). Change in alcohol consumption, tobacco use and age were significant predictors of change in GSH concentration (F (3, 26)=3.69, p<0.05). Due to the high comorbidity of alcohol and tobacco use in the sample, the individual effects of these substances on GSH levels could not be determined. This study offers longitudinal evidence that changing risky drinking patterns and tobacco use early in the course of BD is associated with improvements in antioxidant capacity, and therefore may be specific targets for early intervention and prevention of neuroprogression in BD.

A brief review of exercise, bipolar disorder, and mechanistic pathways

Despite evidence that exercise has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression, it is unclear whether these data can be extrapolated to bipolar disorder. Available evidence for bipolar disorder is scant, with no existing randomized controlled trials having tested the impact of exercise on depressive, manic or hypomanic symptomatology. Although exercise is often recommended in bipolar disorder, this is based on extrapolation from the unipolar literature, theory and clinical expertise and not empirical evidence. In addition, there are currently no available empirical data on program variables, with practical implications on frequency, intensity and type of exercise derived from unipolar depression studies. The aim of the current paper is to explore the relationship between exercise and bipolar disorder and potential mechanistic pathways. Given the high rate of medical co-morbidities experienced by people with bipolar disorder, it is possible that exercise is a potentially useful and important intervention with regard to general health benefits; however, further research is required to elucidate the impact of exercise on mood symptomology.

A shared framework for the common mental disorders and Non-Communicable Disease: key considerations for disease prevention and control

BACKGROUND

Historically, the focus of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention and control has been cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Collectively, these account for more deaths than any other NCDs. Despite recent calls to include the common mental disorders (CMDs) of depression and anxiety under the NCD umbrella, prevention and control of these CMDs remain largely separate and independent.

DISCUSSION

In order to address this gap, we apply a framework recently proposed by the Centers for Disease Control with three overarching objectives: (1) to obtain better scientific information through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research; (2) to disseminate this information to appropriate audiences through communication and education; and (3) to translate this information into action through programs, policies, and systems. We conclude that a shared framework of this type is warranted, but also identify opportunities within each objective to advance this agenda and consider the potential benefits of this approach that may exist beyond the health care system.

Seasonality, smoking and history of poor treatment compliance are strong predictors of dropout in a naturalistic 6 year follow-up of bipolar patients

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent disease which requires long-term treatment. Dropout is a major problem, poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to know the risk of dropout of a cohort of bipolar patients under ambulatory treatment and to identify the clinical profile of patients more likely to abandon the follow-up. A sample of 285 BD I and II patients was followed up for a mean of 2.87 years. A significant proportion of patients failed regular follow-up. The dropout rates were 6.3 % at three months, 12.7 % at 6 months, and 17.6, 27.2, 37.3, 44.0, 47.2 and 49.0 % at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years respectively. Very few variables at baseline predicted dropout. Patients under 35 years of age were more likely to dropout than older cases. Seasonality, smoking and specially history of poor treatment compliance were strong predictors of dropout. Given the magnitude of dropout, additional early clinical interventions should be considered for high-risk patients.

The impact of alcohol and tobacco use on in vivo glutathione in youth with bipolar disorder: an exploratory study

Risky alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking is highly prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD) and is associated with increased formation of neural reactive oxygen species. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) is an in vivo imaging modality that allows quantification of glutathione (GSH) concentration, the brains primary antioxidant. Sixty-four patients with BD and 49 controls (18-30 years) completed self-report questionnaires regarding alcohol and tobacco use and underwent (1)H-MRS. Levels of GSH in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were determined. Within-group Pearson's correlations were used to explore the relationship between alcohol use and GSH concentration for BD and controls, covarying for age, gender, family history of alcohol dependence and smoking status. Relationships between GSH and presence/severity of alcohol-induced blackouts were determined using Spearman's correlations. In BD, reduced hippocampal-GSH associated with higher alcohol use (R = -0.489, p < 0.021). Reduction of ACC-GSH with increased drinking was non-significant when controlling for tobacco use. Independent samples t-test revealed a significantly decreased ACC-GSH in smokers with BD (t (53) = 4.162, p < 0.001). In controls, alcohol use was not correlated to GSH in either region. In both patients and controls, reduced hippocampal-GSH was associated with blackout presence/severity, supporting a role for the hippocampus in the continuum of alcohol-induced memory impairments. Our preliminary findings suggest that in youth with BD reduced hippocampal-GSH is associated with risky alcohol use and alcohol and tobacco use is associated with reduced ACC-GSH, highlighting the role of these substances as modifiable risk factors for decreased anti-oxidant capacity in BD.

Tobacco use treatment in primary care patients with psychiatric illness

The prevalence of smoking is higher in patients with psychiatric illness compared with the general population. Smoking causes chronic illnesses, which lead to premature mortality in those with psychiatric illness, is associated with greater burden of psychiatric symptoms, and contributes to the social isolation experienced by individuals with psychiatric disorders. Most patients with a psychiatric illness present initially to primary care rather than specialty care settings, and some patients receive care exclusively in the primary care setting. Therefore, family physicians and other primary care clinicians have an important role in the recognition and treatment of tobacco use disorders in patients with psychiatric illnesses. In this article we review common myths associated with smoking and psychiatric illness, techniques for implementing evidence-based tobacco use treatments, the evidence base for tobacco use treatment for patients with specific psychiatric diagnoses, and factors to consider when treating tobacco use disorders in patients with psychiatric illness.

Lifestyle medicine for depression

The prevalence of depression appears to have increased over the past three decades. While this may be an artefact of diagnostic practices, it is likely that there are factors about modernity that are contributing to this rise. There is now compelling evidence that a range of lifestyle factors are involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Many of these factors can potentially be modified, yet they receive little consideration in the contemporary treatment of depression, where medication and psychological intervention remain the first line treatments. "Lifestyle Medicine" provides a nexus between public health promotion and clinical treatments, involving the application of environmental, behavioural, and psychological principles to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. This may also provide opportunities for general health promotion and potential prevention of depression. In this paper we provide a narrative discussion of the major components of Lifestyle Medicine, consisting of the evidence-based adoption of physical activity or exercise, dietary modification, adequate relaxation/sleep and social interaction, use of mindfulness-based meditation techniques, and the reduction of recreational substances such as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol. We also discuss other potential lifestyle factors that have a more nascent evidence base, such as environmental issues (e.g. urbanisation, and exposure to air, water, noise, and chemical pollution), and the increasing human interface with technology. Clinical considerations are also outlined. While data supports that some of these individual elements are modifiers of overall mental health, and in many cases depression, rigorous research needs to address the long-term application of Lifestyle Medicine for depression prevention and management. Critically, studies exploring lifestyle modification involving multiple lifestyle elements are needed. While the judicious use of medication and psychological techniques are still advocated, due to the complexity of human illness/wellbeing, the emerging evidence encourages a more integrative approach for depression, and an acknowledgment that lifestyle modification should be a routine part of treatment and preventative efforts.

Determinants of high rates of smoking among people with psychosis living in a socially disadvantaged region in South Australia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors associated with the high rates of smoking amongst people with psychosis living in a disadvantaged region in Adelaide, South Australia.

METHODS

Data were collected from 402 people with psychosis, aged 18-64 years, who lived in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. This area is disadvantaged on many measures of socioeconomic well-being and people living in this region have higher rates of smoking compared to the general Australian population. We hypothesised that whilst tobacco use by people with psychosis living in this region was primarily associated with mental illness, factors related to social disadvantage also contributed to the high rates of smoking.

RESULTS

Approximately 74% of men and 71% of women with psychotic disorders living in the northern suburbs of Adelaide were current smokers. Factors such as unemployment, lower levels of education and receiving government welfare, factors known to be associated with smoking in the general population, were more prevalent in the northern region. Smokers with psychosis were less likely to participate in recreational programs and physical activity, and more likely to use illicit substances and be a victim of crime. They had poorer health and financial outcomes than non-smokers. There were some gender differences: for men with psychosis, employment and having a post-school qualification decreased the risk of smoking while cannabis use increased the risk; for women with psychosis, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence, using cannabis and being sedentary were risk factors for smoking, while attending recreational programs reduced this risk.

CONCLUSION

Smoking rates were strikingly high in both men and women, and particularly high in women when compared with previous research. Our study shows that the risk of smoking is increased by factors related to the social disadvantage of living in the northern Adelaide region. Smoking cessation interventions for people with mental illness should take into account the social context, and also address relevant comorbidities such as drug and alcohol disorders.

Lifestyle management of unipolar depression

OBJECTIVE

To be used in conjunction with 'Pharmacological management of unipolar depression' [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):6-23] and 'Psychological management of unipolar depression' [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24-37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review.

METHOD

A search of pertinent literature was conducted up to August 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted.

RESULTS

There is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk.

CONCLUSION

Lifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.

Smoking and suicidality in subjects with bipolar disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)

BACKGROUND

Smoking in patients with bipolar disorder is known to be related to suicidality. This link has not been investigated, however, in community-based samples. The aim of this study is to delineate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of bipolar smokers and examine the relationship between these characteristics and suicidal ideation or attempts in an epidemiologic database, the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).

METHODS

Subjects (n = 1,643) with bipolar disorder I and II, defined by the DSM-IV criteria, who had a history of low moods lasting more than 2 weeks were included in our analysis. Current smokers, former smokers, and lifetime nonsmokers were compared in terms of demographic, clinical characteristics, and functional level. Suicidality, evaluated by a history of suicide ideation and attempts while in low mood were compared.

RESULTS

Current smokers with bipolar disorder showed a greater number of DSM-IV symptoms while in acute episodes, higher rate of alcohol, and drug use disorders, as well as poorer functional levels than nonsmokers. Previous smokers displayed intermediate characteristics between current smokers and nonsmokers. The logistic regression analysis revealed that current smoking status predicted the risk of having a history of attempted suicide (Odds ratio 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.76) after adjusting for age, sex, race, bipolar subtype, lifetime axis II/anxiety/alcohol use/substance use disorder; however, lifetime smoking status did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms that current cigarette smoking can predict attempted suicide in a community representative sample of people with bipolar disorder.

Qualitative exploration of family perspectives of smoke-free mental health and addiction services

The significant health disparities experienced by people with mental illness indicate the need for mental health service improvement. This qualitative study explored family and whānau (Māori family group) perspectives of smoke-free mental health services. Thematic analysis found that family and whānau identified a number of barriers to the implementation of successful smoke-free policy, including lack of coordination and consistency, and limited, if any, family and whānau inclusion. Family and whānau discussed smoking as a strategy for coping with anxiety and boredom; therefore, the need for other activities and strategies to replace smoking was identified as necessary in effective service delivery. The attitude that mental health service policy should be different from general health policy, due to the experience of mental distress, was also identified. In this paper, we argue that the development and implementation of quality mental health services would be strengthened by involving family and whānau in smoke-free initiatives. Furthermore, the provision of relevant information to family, whānau, and service users would help dispel myths and stigma associated with tobacco and mental health.

Associations between health risk behaviors and symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature to determine if health risk behaviors in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are associated with subsequent symptom burden or level of functioning.

METHOD

Using the PRISMA systematic review method we searched PubMed, Cochrane, PsychInfo and EMBASE databases with key words: health risk behaviors, diet, obesity, overweight, BMI, smoking, tobacco use, cigarette use, sedentary lifestyle, sedentary behaviors, physical inactivity, activity level, fitness, sitting AND schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, bipolar illness, schizoaffective disorder, severe and persistent mental illness, and psychotic to identify prospective, controlled studies of greater than 6 months duration. Included studies examined associations between sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and subsequent symptom severity or functional impairment in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

RESULTS

Eight of the 2130 articles identified met inclusion criteria and included 508 patients with a health risk behavior and 825 controls. Six studies examined tobacco use, and two studies examined weight gain/obesity. Seven studies found that patients with schizophrenia or bipolar illness and at least one health risk behavior had more severe subsequent psychiatric symptoms and/or decreased level of functioning.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco use and weight gain/obesity may be associated with increased severity of symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder or decreased level of functioning.

Cotinine: Beyond that Expected, More than a Biomarker of Tobacco Consumption

A greater incidence of tobacco consumption occurs among individuals with psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, compared with the general population. Even when still controversial, it has been postulated that smoking is a form of self-medication that reduces psychiatric symptoms among individuals with these disorders. To better understand the component(s) of tobacco-inducing smoking behavior, greater attention has been directed toward nicotine. However, in recent years, new evidence has shown that cotinine, the main metabolite of nicotine, exhibits beneficial effects over psychiatric symptoms and may therefore promote smoking within this population. Some of the behavioral effects of cotinine compared to nicotine are discussed here. Cotinine, which accumulates in the body as a result of tobacco exposure, crosses the blood-brain barrier and has different pharmacological properties compared with nicotine. Cotinine has a longer plasma half-life than nicotine and showed no addictive or cardiovascular effects in humans. In addition, at the preclinical level, cotinine facilitated the extinction of fear memory and anxiety after fear conditioning, improved working memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in a monkey model of schizophrenia. Altogether, the new evidence suggests that the pharmacological and behavioral effects of cotinine may play a key role in promoting tobacco smoking in individuals that suffer from psychiatric conditions and represents a new potential therapeutic agent against psychiatric conditions such as AD and PTSD.

Use of cotinine urinalysis to verify self-reported tobacco use among male psychiatric out-patients

CONTEXT

There is a complex and significant correlation between respiratory disorders and psychiatric conditions. Reliability of self-reported tobacco use has been questioned in recent times.

AIMS

The current study aims at assessment of accuracy of self-reported tobacco use (both smoked and smokeless) among psychiatric out-patients.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

We recruited 131 consecutive subjects from the out-patient psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male patients meeting the study criteria were approached for participation in the study. They were asked about their recent tobacco use history. Those reporting recent use were assessed for severity of dependence using Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)-smoking and FTND-smokeless scales. Quantitative urine cotinine analysis was performed using the Enzyme Linked Immunesorbant Assay (ELISA) method. Based on this method, a (50 ng/ml) cut off score for urinary cotinine level for tobacco use was set.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Concordance between the self-report of tobacco use and urinary cotinine level was assessed using the Cohen's kappa. Additionally, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the FTND-smoking and FTND-smokeless scales and the urinary cotinine levels.

RESULTS

The values of Cohen's kappa suggest no significant concordance between the self-reported recent tobacco use and urinary cotinine levels for both smoking and smokeless tobacco forms. The discordance was present irrespective of a higher (550 ng/ml) or a lower (50 ng/ml) cut off score for a urinary cotinine level. Pearson's correlation coefficient failed to reveal any significant direct correlation between the FTND scores and urinary cotinine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended to use biological markers such as urinary cotinine levels to corroborates the information provided by the patients.

Sequential behavioral treatment of smoking and weight control in bipolar disorder

People with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BPAD) live significantly shorter lives than people in the general population and most commonly die of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD risk behaviors such as smoking are not routinely assessed or assertively treated among people with a severe mental illness. This article provides an illustrative case example of a woman with BPAD who is motivated to quit smoking, despite concerns about weight gain and relapse to depression. It outlines key considerations and describes the patient's experience of participating in a behavioral intervention focussing first on smoking, then diet and physical activity. Clinical challenges encountered during treatment are discussed in the context of relevant literature. These include motivational issues, relapse to depression, medication interactions, weight gain, addressing multiple health behavior change, focussing on a behavioral rather than cognitive approach, collaborating with other health care providers, and gender issues.

Nicotine intake and smoking topography in smokers with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking behavior in bipolar disorder (BPD), including the effects of mood-stabilizing medications, has not been well characterized.

METHODS

We compared serum nicotine, nicotine metabolite levels, and smoking topography in 75 smokers with BPD to 86 control smokers (CON). For some comparisons, an additional control group of 75 smokers with schizophrenia (SCZ) were included.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the BPD and CON groups in baseline smoking characteristics or serum nicotine or cotinine levels. Fifty-one smokers with BPD (68.9%) were taking one of the following mood stabilizers: valproic acid, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lithium, or topiramate. The 3-hydroxycotinine-to-cotinine ratio, a marker of cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) metabolic activity, was significantly higher in BPD versus CON and versus SCZ (0.68 versus 0.49 versus 0.54; p =0.002). The difference between groups, however, was no longer significant when the analysis was repeated with those taking hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate) included as a covariate. The time between puffs, or interpuff interval (IPI), was shorter in BPD versus CON by an average of 3.0sec (p<0.05), although this was no longer significant when we removed smokers from the analysis of those taking hepatic enzyme inducers.

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers with BPD are not different from CON on most measures of nicotine intake and smoking topography. We found an increased rate of nicotine metabolism in smokers taking mood stabilizers that are hepatic enzyme inducers, including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Smokers with rapid nicotine metabolism might be expected to smoke more intensely to compensate for the more rapid disappearance of nicotine from the blood and brain, and may have more difficulty in quitting smoking, although this requires further study.

Reliability of self-reported tobacco use in bipolar disorder: an exploratory study of euthymic patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in India

BACKGROUND

Unlike schizophrenia, only a little attention has been paid to tobacco dependence in patients with bipolar disorder despite a similarly high prevalence and predisposition to health risks. The euthymic phase is especially suitable for tobacco screening by the treating psychiatrist. However, the validity of self-report for tobacco use in this patient population remains undetermined.

AIM

The current study aims to assess the validity of self-reported tobacco use in euthymic bipolar disorder.

METHOD

The psychiatric out-patients with DSM-IV TR diagnosis of bipolar type-I in remission who were males, > or =18 years, and euthymic as established by current scores of <7 on HAM-D and <4 on YMRS. Patients were specifically asked for the recent use of tobacco in any form. Ten ml urine sample was obtained after informed consent and subjected to a quantitative cotinine estimation by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were screened, of which 79 were finally included. The self-report for recent tobacco use showed only a moderate concordance with urinary cotinine (k = 0.518) and cotinine-creatinine ratio (k = 0.492). Over 15% patients had denied the use of tobacco, but tested positive on urinary cotinine assessment. The sensitivity of self-report was 73.3% compared to urinary cotinine. The denial among users was 26.7% and denial among those with negative self-report was 30.8%.

CONCLUSION

Mental health professionals should be vigilant for detection of tobacco dependence among remitted bipolar patients, who may not be so forthcoming about their tobacco use.

Genetics of smoking and depression

Smoking and depression are significant public health problems with multiple etiological dimensions and outcomes. Although each condition is important by itself, they are important because they often potentiate each other. Consequently, it is also essential to understand the nature their relationship. This representative review focuses on the genetic etiology of the relationship in the context of reviewing first the epidemiology of depression and smoking, and then by exploring behavioral and molecular genetic studies, and other psychiatric and medical comorbidities. At this point, epidemiological evidence for a relationship between depression and smoking/nicotine dependence is compelling. Although behavioral genetic results differ somewhat by gender and in accordance with specific definitions of depression and smoking variables, recent studies show converging evidence for common genetic factors underlying the relationship, often in addition to non-shared environmental factors. The search for underlying genes and genetic mechanisms is at an early stage, but shows promising candidate genes and genetic approaches for future studies.

Palliative models of care for later stages of mental disorder: maximizing recovery, maintaining hope, and building morale

BACKGROUND

The concept of staging of disease in psychiatry has developed over the past years. A neglected component of this model pertains to people in the advanced stages of a mental illness, who remain symptomatic and functionally impaired despite treatment. These patients are often high service utilizers, receiving complex multimodal treatments where the balance of risk and benefit shifts perceptibly. In this paper, we argue the need to adopt 'palliative' models of care for some individuals, and consider changing the therapeutic goals to follow care pathways similar to those used in other chronic and refractory medical illnesses.

METHOD

Data was sourced by a literature search using Medline and a hand search of scientific journals. Relevant articles were selected.

RESULTS

Clinical staging can help us better define subgroups of patients who will benefit from different goals and treatment. In the most advanced stage group, we find patients with persistent symptoms and treatment resistance. In these situations, it may be preferable to follow some of the principles of palliative care, which include the setting of attainable goals, reduction of side-effects, limited symptom control, targeting identified psychological and social problems, and attempting to attain the best quality of life for these patients and their families.

CONCLUSIONS

It is in the interest of those in the advanced phases of a disorder that clinicians acknowledge the limitations of treatment and actively attempt to plan treatment utilizing alternate models. It is essential to be clear that such approaches do not equate to the abandonment of care, but rather to the reconceptualizing of feasible and personalized treatment goals, a rebalancing of the risks and benefits of intervention, the management of illness behaviour, and the approaches that allow the patient to live gainfully within their limitations.

Cigarette smoking and its relationship to mood disorder symptoms and co-occurring alcohol and cannabis use disorders following first hospitalization for bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and may adversely affect symptoms of the disorder, as well as the co-occurrence of other substance use disorders. However, anecdotal reports suggesting that smoking cessation caused a worsening of mood in smokers with BD have raised concerns about quitting. In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the course of BD, alcohol use disorders, and cannabis use disorders in relation to smoking and examined the relationship between smoking abstinence and changes in mood.

METHODS

Participants (N = 161) were adolescents (n=80) and adults (n = 81) with bipolar I disorder who were hospitalized for their initial mixed or manic episode. Participants were followed up to eight years post-hospitalization (median follow-up = 122 weeks) as part of a naturalistic, observational study of the longitudinal course of BD and substance use.

RESULTS

The course of BD symptoms in the 12 months following index hospitalization did not differ by smoking status in either the adolescent or the adult subsample. Among adolescents, smoking was associated with an increased risk of having a cannabis or alcohol use disorder, almost all of which were new-onset disorders, in the year following first hospitalization. Neither adolescents nor adults who were abstinent from smoking for at least two months experienced significant increases in depressive or manic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cigarette smoking did not predict a worse course of BD, smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing alcohol and cannabis use disorders in adolescents with BD. Importantly, these data provide no evidence to suggest that abstinence from smoking is associated with worsening symptoms of depression or mania in the short term.

A Review of Smoking Cessation in Bipolar Disorder: Implications for Future Research

Tobacco smoking is common in people with bipolar disorder, and rates of smoking cessation are lower than in the general population. A literature review found eleven clinical research publications on bipolar disorder and tobacco, including only one smoking cessation pharmacotherapy trial. This article will review these findings and discuss possible reasons for the high rates of tobacco addiction among persons with bipolar disorder, as well as specific vulnerability factors that may contribute to tobacco treatment failure. An approach to the clinical assessment and treatment of tobacco dependence is described for this sub-group of smokers. Finally, recommendations are made for planning future treatment studies in persons with bipolar disorder and nicotine dependence.

A comparative study of reliability of self report of tobacco use among patients with bipolar and somatoform disorders

OBJECTIVE

To compare the use and reliability of self-reported tobacco use (both smoked and smokeless) among patients with bipolar disorder and somatoform disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted at psychiatry out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 consecutive patients were recruited. The subjects were asked about the use of tobacco products (smoked as well as smokeless) over the past one week. Those reporting affirmatively in response to the question were assessed using Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scales. Quantitative urinary cotinine levels were assessed using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Calculation of Cohen's kappa using cross tabulation revealed discordance between the self-reported use of smoked as well as smokeless tobacco products in both the groups. Analysis using the lower cut off of 50 ng/ ml also revealed discordance between the self-reported tobacco use (smoked as well as smokeless) for both the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of self-report is questionable among both these groups for smoking as well as smokeless tobacco products.