The incidence of cardiovascular morbidity among patients with bipolar disorder: a population-based longitudinal study in Ontario, Canada

Bipolar disorder and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, heart failure, and all-cause mortality: a population-based matched cohort study in South Korea

The association of bipolar disorder (BD) with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and premature death in Asians needs to be further determined. Relatively less attention has been paid to heart failure (HF) among cardiometabolic outcomes. We analyzed the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2002-2018) for this population-based, matched cohort study. The hazards of ischemic stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD), hospitalization for HF (hHF), composite cardiometabolic diseases, and all-cause mortality during follow-up were compared between individuals with BD (n = 11,329) and 1:1-matched controls without psychiatric disorders among adults without cardiometabolic disease before or within 3 months of baseline. Hazards of outcomes were higher in individuals with BD than in matched controls (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.971 [1.414-2.746] for ischemic stroke, 1.553 [1.401-1.721] for IHD, 2.526 [1.788-3.567] for hHF, 1.939 [1.860-2.022] for composite cardiometabolic diseases, and 2.175 [1.875-2.523] for all-cause mortality) during follow-up. Associations between BD and outcome hazards were more prominent in younger individuals (p for interaction < 0.02, except for ischemic stroke) and women (p for interaction < 0.04, except for hHF). Screening and preventive measures for cardiometabolic deterioration and early mortality may need to be intensified in individuals with BD, even in young adults, especially women.

Population-based comparison of cancer survival outcomes in patients with and without psychiatric disorders

BACKGROUND

Individuals with psychiatric disorders (PD) have a high prevalence of tobacco use. Patients with PD also potentially receive substandard care in comparison to the general population. Previous research has shown that individuals with PD have a decreased risk of receiving a tobacco related (TR) cancer diagnosis. To further assess this trend, this study assesses the survival of patients with a TR cancer with or without a PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study utilized multiple databases, with methods described elsewhere,⁶ to identify people in British Columbia that have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and appendicitis (our control group). From these groups, we selected individuals who also had a TR cancer. We subsequently extracted information pertaining to these patients from these databases.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine thousand eight hundred forty-one patients with cancer were included in our study. Analyses of these patients were controlled for by age, gender, cancer type and diagnosis year. This analysis displayed shorter survival time among patients who were diagnosed with depression (HR = 1.16; p = 0.01; 95% CI: 1.04-1.29), schizophrenia (HR = 1.62; p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.43-1.84), or bipolar disorder (HR = 1.35; p < 0.01; 95% CI: 1.12-1.64) compared to the cancer patients without a PD, all of which were statistically significant. People that were diagnosed with anxiety disorders did not have a survival time that was significantly different from our control population (HR = 1.07; p = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.96-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with PD, except for those with anxiety, were found to have a shorter survival time following diagnosis with a TR cancer as compared to our control group. We hypothesize several factors, which may account for this statistically significant difference: (1) delayed diagnosis, (2) poor access to care, (3) poor assessment or follow-up, or (4) physician beliefs of poor treatment adherence.

Association of Bipolar Disorder With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Population-Based Historical Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association of bipolar disorder (BD) with risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after adjusting for established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based historical cohort study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Patients older than 30 years with a clinical encounter from 1998 to 2000 with no prior MACE, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure were followed up through March 1, 2016. BD diagnosis was validated by chart review. Cox proportional hazards regression models were adjusted for established CVD risk factors, alcohol use disorder, other substance use disorders (SUDs), and major depressive disorder (MDD).

RESULTS

The cohort included 288 individuals with BD (0.81%) and 35,326 individuals without BD as the reference group (Ref). Median (interquartile range) follow-up was 16.5 (14.6-17.5) years. A total of 5636 MACE events occurred (BD, 59; Ref, 5577). Survival analysis showed an association between BD and MACE (median event-free-survival rates: BD, 0.80; Ref, 0.86; log-rank p = .018). Multivariate regression adjusting for age and sex also yielded an association between BD and MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-2.52; p < .001). The association remained significant after further adjusting for smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and body mass index (HR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.17-2.28; p = .006), and for alcohol use disorder, SUD, and MDD (HR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.09-2.14; p = .010).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, BD was associated with an increased risk of MACE, which persisted after adjusting for established CVD risk factors, SUDs, and MDD. These results suggest that BD is an independent risk factor for major clinical cardiac disease outcomes.

Mind-Body Connection: Cardiovascular Sequelae of Psychiatric Illness

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Mental health disorders are associated with the onset and progression of cardiac disease. The adverse sequelae of this association include worsened quality of life, adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and heightened mortality. The increased prevalence of CVD is partly explained by increased rates of traditional cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and smoking, but mental illness is an independent risk factor for CVD and mortality. Given the association between mental health disorders and poor cardiovascular health, it is vital to have an early and accurate identification and treatment of these disorders. Our review article shares the current literature on the adverse cardiovascular events associated with psychiatric disorders. We present a review on depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, type A and D personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and stress.

Increased risk of ischemic heart disease in patients with bipolar disorder: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the national prevalence and incidence of ischemic heart disease and associated factors among Taiwanese patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We used a random sample of 766,427 subjects who were ≥18 years old from the National Health Research Institute database in 2005. Subjects with at least one primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder or ischemic heart disease were identified. We compared the prevalence and incidence of ischemic heart disease in bipolar patients and the general population in 2005 and the same cohort from 2006 to 2010. These associated factors with respect to ischemic heart disease among patients with bipolar disorder were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ischemic heart disease in patients with bipolar disorder was 1.69 times higher than in the general population (7.85% vs 4.67%; odds ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-2.03) in 2005. The average annual incidence of ischemic heart disease in patients with bipolar disorder was also 1.60 times higher than in the general population (2.02% vs 1.24; risk ratio 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.90) from 2006 to 2010. The higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease among bipolar patients was associated with increased age, diabetes, hypertension, and antidepressant use.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bipolar disorder had a significantly higher prevalence and incidence of ischemic heart disease than the general population in both sexes, especially at younger ages. Among patients with bipolar disorder, older age, and hyperlipidemia were risk factors of ischemic heart disease.

Why are cardiovascular diseases more common among patients with severe mental illness? The potential involvement of electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) L5

Despite tremendous efforts of experimental and clinical studies and knowledge, the pathophysiology of severe mental illness (SMI), including bipolar disorder (BD), unipolar depression (mood disorders, MD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), remains poorly understood. Besides their chronic course and high prevalence in society, mental and somatic comorbidities are really serious problems; patients with these disorders have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD) including coronary artery diseases (CAD, i.e. myocardial infarction and angina), stroke, sudden cardiac death, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and thromboembolic disease. Although it is determined that triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are increased in MD and SCZ, the underlying reason remains unknown. Considering this, we propose that electronegative LDL (L5) is probably the main crucial element to understanding CVD induced by SMI and to discovering novel remedial approaches for these diseases. When it is hypothesized that L5 is greatly presupposed in CV system abnormalities, it follows that the anti-L5 therapies and even antioxidant treatment options may open new therapeutic opportunities to prevent CVD diseases secondary to SMI. In this review article, we tried to bring a very original subject to the attention of readers who are interested in lipoprotein metabolism in terms of experimental, clinical, and cell culture studies that corroborate the involvement of L5 in physiopathology of CVD secondary to SMI and also the new therapeutic approaches for these disorders.

Mood disorders in pregnant women and future cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

The link between mood disorders and cardiovascular disease in women is unclear. We studied the association of mood disorders around pregnancy with the future risk of cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of 1,028,109 women who were pregnant between 1989 and 2012 in Quebec, Canada. We identified women hospitalized for bipolar disorder or depression before, during, or in the 5 years after delivery, and tracked them over time to identify cardiovascular hospitalizations up to 23 years later. We calculated the incidence of cardiovascular hospitalization per 1,000 person-years, and used Cox regression to compute hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association with mood disorders.

RESULTS

Incidence of cardiovascular events was higher for bipolar disorder (4.4 per 1,000 person-years) and depression (4.2 per 1,000) than no mental illness (1.8 per 1,000). Compared with no mental disorder, bipolar disorder was associated with 3.0 times the risk of cardiovascular disease (95% CI 1.92-4.73), and depression with 2.3 times the risk (95% CI 1.34-3.99). The risk of cardiovascular disease was elevated for bipolar hospitalization before pregnancy (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.90-3.09), during pregnancy (HR 3.78, 95% CI 2.32-6.17), in the first year postpartum (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.54-3.12), and 1-5 years postpartum (HR 2.42, 95% CI 2.04-2.86). Similar associations were found for depression.

LIMITATIONS

We could only assess mood disorders that required hospitalization, and certain covariates might be underreported.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with bipolar disorder or depression before, during, or after pregnancy may benefit from early prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular risk and bipolar disorder: factors associated with a positive coronary calcium score in patients with bipolar disorder type 1

Objective:

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with positive coronary calcium score (CCS) in individuals with bipolar disorder type 1.

Methods:

Patients from the Bipolar Disorder Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, underwent computed tomography scanning for calcium score measurement. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were compared between patients according to their CCS status: negative (CCS = 0) or positive (CCS > 0). Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the association of CCS with number of psychiatric hospitalizations.

Results:

Out of 41 patients evaluated, only 10 had a positive CCS. Individuals in the CCS-positive group were older (55.2±4.2 vs. 43.1±10.0 years; p = 0.001) and had more psychiatric hospitalizations (4.7±3.0 vs. 2.6±2.5; p = 0.04) when compared with CCS- negative subjects. The number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations correlated positively with CCS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Age and number of psychiatric hospitalizations were significantly associated with higher CCS, which might be a potential method for diagnosis and stratification of cardiovascular disease in bipolar patients. There is a need for increased awareness of risk assessment in this population.

Mortality gap for people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: UK-based cohort study 2000-2014

BackgroundBipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with increased mortality relative to the general population. There is an international emphasis on decreasing this excess mortality.AimsTo determine whether the mortality gap between individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and the general population has decreased.MethodA nationally representative cohort study using primary care electronic health records from 2000 to 2014, comparing all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and the general population. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.ResultsIndividuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia had elevated mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.79, 95% CI 1.67-1.88 and 2.08, 95% CI 1.98-2.19 respectively). Adjusted HRs for bipolar disorder increased by 0.14/year (95% CI 0.10-0.19) from 2006 to 2014. The adjusted HRs for schizophrenia increased gradually from 2004 to 2010 (0.11/year, 95% CI 0.04-0.17) and rapidly after 2010 (0.34/year, 95% CI 0.18-0.49).ConclusionsThe mortality gap between individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and the general population is widening.

Prevalence, incidence and mortality from cardiovascular disease in patients with pooled and specific severe mental illness: a large-scale meta-analysis of 3,211,768 patients and 113,383,368 controls

People with severe mental illness (SMI) - schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder - appear at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but a comprehensive meta-analysis is lacking. We conducted a large-scale meta-analysis assessing the prevalence and incidence of CVD; coronary heart disease; stroke, transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular disease; congestive heart failure; peripheral vascular disease; and CVD-related death in SMI patients (N=3,211,768) versus controls (N=113,383,368) (92 studies). The pooled CVD prevalence in SMI patients (mean age 50 years) was 9.9% (95% CI: 7.4-13.3). Adjusting for a median of seven confounders, patients had significantly higher odds of CVD versus controls in cross-sectional studies (odds ratio, OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.27-1.83; 11 studies), and higher odds of coronary heart disease (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.47-1.55) and cerebrovascular disease (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.21-1.66). People with major depressive disorder were at increased risk for coronary heart disease, while those with schizophrenia were at increased risk for coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and congestive heart failure. Cumulative CVD incidence in SMI patients was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.7-5.3) during a median follow-up of 8.4 years (range 1.8-30.0). Adjusting for a median of six confounders, SMI patients had significantly higher CVD incidence than controls in longitudinal studies (hazard ratio, HR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.60-1.98; 31 studies). The incidence was also higher for coronary heart disease (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.30-1.82), cerebrovascular disease (HR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.26-2.14), congestive heart failure (HR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.64-2.70), and CVD-related death (HR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.53-2.24). People with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were all at increased risk of CVD-related death versus controls. CVD incidence increased with antipsychotic use (p=0.008), higher body mass index (p=0.008) and higher baseline CVD prevalence (p=0.03) in patients vs.

CONTROLS

Moreover, CVD prevalence (p=0.007), but not CVD incidence (p=0.21), increased in more recently conducted studies. This large-scale meta-analysis confirms that SMI patients have significantly increased risk of CVD and CVD-related mortality, and that elevated body mass index, antipsychotic use, and CVD screening and management require urgent clinical attention.

Bipolar disorder and diabetes mellitus: evidence for disease-modifying effects and treatment implications

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder refers to a group of chronic psychiatric disorders of mood and energy levels. While dramatic psychiatric symptoms dominate the acute phase of the diseases, the chronic course is often determined by an increasing burden of co-occurring medical conditions. High rates of diabetes mellitus in patients with bipolar disorder are particularly striking, yet unexplained. Treatment and lifestyle factors could play a significant role, and some studies also suggest shared pathophysiology and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

In this systematic literature review, we explored data around the relationship between bipolar disorder and diabetes mellitus in recently published population-based cohort studies with special focus on the elderly.

METHODS

A systematic search in the PubMed database for the combined terms "bipolar disorder" AND "elderly" AND "diabetes" in papers published between January 2009 and December 2015 revealed 117 publications; 7 studies were large cohort studies, and therefore, were included in our review.

RESULTS

We found that age- and gender- adjusted risk for diabetes mellitus was increased in patients with bipolar disorder and vice versa (odds ratio range between 1.7 and 3.2).

DISCUSSION

Our results in large population-based cohort studies are consistent with the results of smaller studies and chart reviews. Even though it is likely that heterogeneous risk factors may play a role in diabetes mellitus and in bipolar disorder, growing evidence from cell culture experiments and animal studies suggests shared disease mechanisms. Furthermore, disease-modifying effects of bipolar disorder and diabetes mellitus on each other appear to be substantial, impacting both treatment response and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with bipolar disorder is increased. Our findings add to the growing literature on this topic. Increasing evidence for shared disease mechanisms suggests new disease models that could explain the results of our study. A better understanding of the complex relationship between bipolar disorder and diabetes mellitus could lead to novel therapeutic approaches and improved outcomes.

Long-term risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar I disorder: A population-based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the risk of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with bipolar I disorder compared to people without bipolar I disorder.

METHOD

Utilizing a records-linkage system spanning 30 years (1966-1996), a population-based cohort of 334 subjects with bipolar I disorder and 334 age and sex-matched referents from Olmsted County, Minnesota, U.S. was identified. Longitudinal follow-up continued until incident MI or stroke (confirmed by board-certified cardiologist/neurologist), death, or study end date (December 31, 2013). Cox proportional hazards models assessed the hazard ratio (HR) for MI or stroke, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

There was an increased risk of fatal or non-fatal MI or stroke (as a composite outcome) in patients with bipolar I disorder [HR 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 2.33; p=0.04]. However, after adjusting for baseline cardiovascular risk factors (alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking), the risk was no longer significantly increased (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.76, 1.86; p=0.46).

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size for the study design. Findings were not retained after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Psychotropic medication use during the follow-up was not ascertained and was not included in the analyses.

CONCLUSION

This study in a geographically defined region in the U.S. demonstrated a significant increased risk of MI or stroke in bipolar I disorder, which was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.

Relative Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in People with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Despite high mortality associated with serious mental illness, risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear, especially for patients with bipolar disorder. The main objective was to investigate the relative risk of AMI associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in a national sample.

METHOD

Using nationwide administrative data, an 11-year historic cohort study was assembled, comprised of cases aged 18 and above who had received a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, compared to a random sample of all other adults excluding those with diagnoses of serious mental illness. Incident AMI as a primary diagnosis was ascertained. Hazard ratios stratified by age and gender were calculated and Cox regression models were used to adjust for other covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 70,225 people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and 207,592 people without serious mental illness were compared. Hazard ratios in men adjusted for age, income and urbanization were 1.15 (95% CI 1.01~1.32) for schizophrenia and 1.37 (1.08~1.73)for bipolar disorder, and in women, 1.85 (1.58~2.18) and 1.88(1.47~2.41) respectively. Further adjustment for treated hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia attenuated the hazard ratio for men with schizophrenia but not the other comparison groups. Hazard ratios were significantly stronger in women than men and were stronger in younger compared to older age groups for both disorders; however, gender modification was only significant in people with schizophrenia, and age modification only significant in people with bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large national sample, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were associated with raised risk of AMI in women and in the younger age groups although showed differences in potential confounding and modifying factors.

Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Predispose Youth to Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Early Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

In the 2011 "Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents," several medical conditions among youth were identified that predispose to accelerated atherosclerosis and early cardiovascular disease (CVD), and risk stratification and management strategies for youth with these conditions were elaborated. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) among youth satisfy the criteria set for, and therefore merit inclusion among, Expert Panel tier II moderate-risk conditions. The combined prevalence of MDD and BD among adolescents in the United States is ≈10%, at least 10 times greater than the prevalence of the existing moderate-risk conditions combined. The high prevalence of MDD and BD underscores the importance of positioning these diseases alongside other pediatric diseases previously identified as moderate risk for CVD. The overall objective of this statement is to increase awareness and recognition of MDD and BD among youth as moderate-risk conditions for early CVD. To achieve this objective, the primary specific aims of this statement are to (1) summarize evidence that MDD and BD are tier II moderate-risk conditions associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and early CVD and (2) position MDD and BD as tier II moderate-risk conditions that require the application of risk stratification and management strategies in accordance with Expert Panel recommendations. In this scientific statement, there is an integration of the various factors that putatively underlie the association of MDD and BD with CVD, including pathophysiological mechanisms, traditional CVD risk factors, behavioral and environmental factors, and psychiatric medications.

Association between history of psychosis and cardiovascular disease in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether clinical features of bipolar disorder, such as history of psychosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors contribute to a higher risk of CVD among patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a sample of 988 patients with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder or schizoaffective bipolar type confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR disorders (SCID). Medical comorbidity burden was quantified utilizing the Cumulative Illness Severity Rating Scale (CIRS). This 13-item organ-based scale includes cardiac disease severity quantification. Confirmed by medical record review, patients who scored 1 (current mild or past significant problem) or higher in the cardiac item were compared by logistic regression to patients who scored 0 (no impairment), adjusting for CVD risk factors that were selected using a backwards stepwise approach or were obtained from the literature.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model, age [odds ratio (OR) = 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66-5.54, p < 0.0001], hypertension (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.69-3.55, p < 0.0001), and history of psychosis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13, p = 0.03) were associated with CVD. When CVD risk factors from the literature were added to the analysis, age (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.67-6.10, p = 0.0005) and hypertension (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.61-3.76, p < 0.01) remained significant, with psychosis being at the trend level (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.96-2.13, p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The phenotype of psychotic bipolar disorder may reflect higher illness severity with associated cardiac comorbidity. Further studies are encouraged to clarify the effect of the disease burden (i.e., depression), lifestyle, and treatment interventions (i.e., atypical antipsychotics) on this risk association.

Increased risk of hyperlipidemia in patients with bipolar disorder: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this nationwide study to examine the epidemiology of hyperlipidemia among Taiwanese patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We used a random sample of 766,427 subjects who were ≥18 years old in 2005. Subjects with at least one primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder were identified. Individuals with a primary or secondary diagnosis of hyperlipidemia or medication treatment for hyperlipidemia were also identified. We compared the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with bipolar disorder with the general population in 2005. Furthermore, we investigated this cohort from 2006 to 2010 to detect the incident cases of hyperlipidemia.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with bipolar disorder was higher than that of the general population [13.5% vs. 7.9%; odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.52-2.02] in 2005. The average annual incidence of hyperlipidemia in patients with bipolar disorder was also higher than that of the general population (4.37% vs. 2.55%; risk ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.47-1.87) from 2006 to 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence and incidence of hyperlipidemia compared with the general population. Patients with bipolar disorder coexisting hypertension exhibited a higher likelihood of hyperlipidemia.

Effects of antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers on risk for physical diseases in people with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder

People with severe mental illness have a considerably shorter lifespan than the general population. This excess mortality is mainly due to physical illness. Next to mental illness-related factors, unhealthy lifestyle, and disparities in health care access and utilization, psychotropic medications can contribute to the risk of physical morbidity and mortality. We systematically reviewed the effects of antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers on physical health outcomes in people with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Updating and expanding our prior systematic review published in this journal, we searched MEDLINE (November 2009 - November 2014), combining the MeSH terms of major physical disease categories (and/or relevant diseases within these categories) with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, and the three major psychotropic classes which received regulatory approval for these disorders, i.e., antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers. We gave precedence to results from (systematic) reviews and meta-analyses wherever possible. Antipsychotics, and to a more restricted degree antidepressants and mood stabilizers, are associated with an increased risk for several physical diseases, including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, hyponatremia; cardiovascular, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal, haematological, musculoskeletal and renal diseases, as well as movement and seizure disorders. Higher dosages, polypharmacy, and treatment of vulnerable (e.g., old or young) individuals are associated with greater absolute (elderly) and relative (youth) risk for most of these physical diseases. To what degree medication-specific and patient-specific risk factors interact, and how adverse outcomes can be minimized, allowing patients to derive maximum benefits from these medications, requires adequate clinical attention and further research.

Risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence on and estimate the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder.

METHOD

A systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and bibliographies (1946 - May, 2013) was conducted. Case-control and cohort studies of bipolar disorder patients age 15 or older with myocardial infarction or stroke as outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed quality. Estimates of effect were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Five cohort studies including 13 115 911 participants (27 092 bipolar) were included. Due to the use of registers, different statistical methods, and inconsistent adjustment for confounders, there was significant methodological heterogeneity among studies. The exploratory meta-analysis yielded no evidence for a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction: [relative risk (RR): 1.09, 95% CI 0.96-1.24, P = 0.20; I(2)  = 6%]. While there was evidence of significant study heterogeneity, the risk of stroke in bipolar disorder was significantly increased (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29-2.35; P = 0.0003; I(2)  = 83%).

CONCLUSION

There may be a differential risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with bipolar disorder. Confidence in these pooled estimates was limited by the small number of studies, significant heterogeneity and dissimilar methodological features.

Patterns of tobacco-related mortality among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression

Even though individuals with psychiatric conditions have a prevalence of smoking approximately 2-4 times greater than the general population, surprisingly little evidence exists to inform an assessment of the full range of tobacco-related mortality in such populations. The current study aims to provide mortality estimates for conditions causally related to tobacco use among individuals hospitalized with a primary psychiatric diagnosis in California from 1990 to 2005. Restricting cases to those of individuals aged 35 or older at the mid-point of their follow-up period, we assembled cohorts of individuals with ICD-9 diagnoses of schizophrenia and related disorders ("schizophrenia"; n = 174,277), depressive disorders (n = 338,250), or bipolar disorder (n = 78,739). Inpatient records were linked to death-certificate data. We generated age-, sex-, and race-adjusted standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for the 19 diseases identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being causally linked to tobacco use. The SMRs for all tobacco-linked diseases combined were: schizophrenia, 2.45 (95% CI = 2.41-2.48); bipolar, 1.57 (95% CI = 1.53-1.62); and depression, 1.95 (95% CI = 1.93-1.98). Tobacco-related conditions comprised approximately 53% (23,620/44,469) of total deaths in the schizophrenia, 48% (6004/12,564) in the bipolar, and 50% (35,729/71,058) in the depression cohorts. Addressing tobacco use in psychiatric populations is a critical clinical and public-health concern, especially in light of the currently limited clinical attention devoted to tobacco use in these groups.

Can personality traits predict the future development of heart disease in hospitalized psychiatric veterans?

OBJECTIVE

To examine which personality traits are associated with the new onset of chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) in psychiatric inpatients within 16 years after their initial evaluation. We theorized that personality measures of depression, anxiety, hostility, social isolation, and substance abuse would predict CHD development in psychiatric inpatients.

METHOD

We used a longitudinal database of psychological test data from 349 Veterans first admitted to a psychiatric unit between October 1, 1983, and September 30, 1987. Veterans Affairs and national databases were assessed to determine the development of new-onset chronic CHD over the intervening 16-year period.

RESULTS

New-onset CHD developed in 154 of the 349 (44.1%) subjects. Thirty-one psychometric variables from five personality tests significantly predicted the development of CHD. We performed a factor analysis of these variables because they overlapped and four factors emerged, with positive adaptive functioning the only significant factor (OR=0.798, p=0.038).

CONCLUSION

These results support previous research linking personality traits to the development of CHD, extending this association to a population of psychiatric inpatients. Compilation of these personality measures showed that 31 overlapping psychometric variables predicted those Veterans who developed a diagnosis of heart disease within 16 years after their initial psychiatric hospitalization. Our results suggest that personality variables measuring positive adaptive functioning are associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic CHD.

Molecular hydrogen: an overview of its neurobiological effects and therapeutic potential for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Hydrogen gas is a bioactive molecule that has a diversity of effects, including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties; these overlap with the process of neuroprogression in major psychiatric disorders. Specifically, both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory stress. Moreover, lithium which is commonly administered for treating bipolar disorder has effects on oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways, as do valproate and some atypical antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia. Molecular hydrogen has been studied pre-clinically in animal models for the treatment of some medical conditions including hypoxia and neurodegenerative disorders, and there are intriguing clinical findings in neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, it is hypothesized that administration of hydrogen molecule may have potential as a novel therapy for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other concurrent disorders characterized by oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic dysregulation.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) collaborative update of CANMAT guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: update 2013

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments published guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder in 2005, with updates in 2007 and 2009. This third update, in conjunction with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, reviews new evidence and is designed to be used in conjunction with the previous publications.The recommendations for the management of acute mania remain largely unchanged. Lithium, valproate, and several atypical antipsychotic agents continue to be first-line treatments for acute mania. Monotherapy with asenapine, paliperidone extended release (ER), and divalproex ER, as well as adjunctive asenapine, have been added as first-line options.For the management of bipolar depression, lithium, lamotrigine, and quetiapine monotherapy, as well as olanzapine plus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and lithium or divalproex plus SSRI/bupropion remain first-line options. Lurasidone monotherapy and the combination of lurasidone or lamotrigine plus lithium or divalproex have been added as a second-line options. Ziprasidone alone or as adjunctive therapy, and adjunctive levetiracetam have been added as not-recommended options for the treatment of bipolar depression. Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, risperidone long-acting injection, and adjunctive ziprasidone continue to be first-line options for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Asenapine alone or as adjunctive therapy have been added as third-line options.

Heartache and heartbreak--the link between depression and cardiovascular disease

The close, bidirectional relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease is well established. Major depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and acute cardiovascular sequelae, such as myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and isolated systolic hypertension. Morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease and depression are significantly higher than in patients with cardiovascular disease who are not depressed. Various pathophysiological mechanisms might underlie the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with depression: increased inflammation; increased susceptibility to blood clotting (owing to alterations in multiple steps of the clotting cascade, including platelet activation and aggregation); oxidative stress; subclinical hypothyroidism; hyperactivity of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; reductions in numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and associated arterial repair processes; decreased heart rate variability; and the presence of genetic factors. Early identification of patients with depression who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as prevention and appropriate treatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients, is an important and attainable goal. However, adequately powered studies are required to determine the optimal treatment regimen for patients with both depression and cardiovascular disorders.

The relationship between subtypes of depression and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review of biological models

A compelling association has been observed between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression, suggesting individuals with depression to be at significantly higher risk for CVD and CVD-related mortality. Systemic immune activation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction have been frequently implicated in this relationship. Although a differential epidemiological association between CVD and depression subtypes is evident, it has not been determined if this indicates subtype specific biological mechanisms. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO databases yielding 147 articles for this review. A complex pattern of systemic immune activation, endothelial dysfunction and HPA axis hyperactivity is suggestive of the biological relationship between CVD and depression subtypes. The findings of this review suggest that diagnostic subtypes rather than a unifying model of depression should be considered when investigating the bidirectional biological relationship between CVD and depression. The suggested model of a subtype-specific biological relationship between depression and CVDs has implications for future research and possibly for diagnostic and therapeutic processes.

Increased risk of Parkinson's disease in individuals hospitalized with conditions related to the use of methamphetamine or other amphetamine-type drugs

BACKGROUND

Since methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants (meth/amphetamine) can damage dopaminergic neurons, researchers have long speculated that these drugs may predispose users to develop Parkinson's disease (PD), a dopamine deficiency neurological disorder.

METHODS

We employed a retrospective population-based cohort study using all linked statewide California inpatient hospital episodes and death records from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 2005. Patients at least 30 years of age were followed for up to 16 years. Competing risks analysis was used to determine whether the meth/amphetamine cohort had elevated risk of developing PD (ICD-9 332.0; ICD-10 G20) in comparison to a matched population-proxy appendicitis group and a matched cocaine drug control group. Individuals admitted to hospital with meth/amphetamine-related conditions (n=40,472; ICD-9 codes 304.4, 305.7, 969.7, E854.2) were matched on age, race, sex, date of index admission, and patterns of hospital admission with patients with appendicitis conditions (n=207,831; ICD-9 codes 540-542) and also individuals with cocaine-use disorders (n=35,335; ICD-9 codes 304.2, 305.6, 968.5).

RESULTS

The meth/amphetamine cohort showed increased risk of PD compared to both that of the matched appendicitis group [hazard ratio (HR)=1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.75, p=0.017] and the matched cocaine group [HR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.32-4.41, p=0.004]. The cocaine group did not show elevated hazard of PD compared to the matched appendicitis group [HR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.56-1.93, p=0.80].

CONCLUSION

These data provide evidence that meth/amphetamine users have above-normal risk for developing PD.

Road trauma in teenage male youth with childhood disruptive behavior disorders: a population based analysis

BACKGROUND

Teenage male drivers contribute to a large number of serious road crashes despite low rates of driving and excellent physical health. We examined the amount of road trauma involving teenage male youth that might be explained by prior disruptive behavior disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder).

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a population-based case-control study of consecutive male youth between age 16 and 19 years hospitalized for road trauma (cases) or appendicitis (controls) in Ontario, Canada over 7 years (April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2009). Using universal health care databases, we identified prior psychiatric diagnoses for each individual during the decade before admission. Overall, a total of 3,421 patients were admitted for road trauma (cases) and 3,812 for appendicitis (controls). A history of disruptive behavior disorders was significantly more frequent among trauma patients than controls (767 of 3,421 versus 664 of 3,812), equal to a one-third increase in the relative risk of road trauma (odds ratio  =  1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.22-1.54, p<0.001). The risk was evident over a range of settings and after adjustment for measured confounders (odds ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.56, p<0.001). The risk explained about one-in-20 crashes, was apparent years before the event, extended to those who died, and persisted among those involved as pedestrians.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruptive behavior disorders explain a significant amount of road trauma in teenage male youth. Programs addressing such disorders should be considered to prevent injuries.

Bipolar disorder in general practice: challenges and opportunities

General practitioners are involved in the continuing care and shared care of patients with chronic mental illness, including bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists are particularly reliant on GPs to monitor and treat comorbidities as well as the psychiatric condition itself. Management of chronic mental illness is compromised by a number of factors, including problems with diagnosis, physical comorbidity, erratic attendance and poor compliance with treatment. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often delayed, and differential diagnoses to be considered include unipolar depression, anxiety disorder, drug and alcohol dependence, personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and general medical and central nervous system diseases. New Medicare items have been introduced under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. However, uptake for patients with chronic psychiatric illness, including bipolar disorder, is low. Patients with bipolar disorder may be prone to a range of comorbid psychological, social and physical problems, and GPs need to be vigilant to detect and manage comorbidity and social problems as part of the overall plan. This includes assistance with certification for sickness and unemployment benefits. GPs may become involved during crises affecting patients and this may pose significant problems for GPs who need to provide ongoing care following patient discharge from hospital. Despite these difficulties, opportunities exist for GPs to play a vital and ongoing role in the management of patients with bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia and the incidence of cardiovascular morbidity: a population-based longitudinal study in Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVE

Despite the high rates of cardiovascular mortality among people with schizophrenia, little is known about the incidence of cardiovascular morbidity in this population. We assessed whether individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, in comparison to a population-proxy comparison group (comprised of individuals receiving an appendicitis-related primary diagnosis), would have a significantly greater risk of subsequent readmission to an inpatient or Emergency Department setting with a cardiovascular condition.

DESIGN

Using inpatient hospital discharge records from April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2006 in Ontario, Canada, we constructed a population-based cohort study of patients who were followed for a period up to 4 years. Individuals with a primary ICD-10 (F20) schizophrenia diagnosis (n=9815) were matched with persons with a primary ICD-10 appendicitis-related diagnosis (K35-37) on sex, age, average neighbourhood income level, and amount of follow-up time available. We used a Cox regression procedure to estimate group differences in time-to-readmission with a cardiovascular-related diagnosis.

RESULTS

Individuals in the Schizophrenia group had a significantly greater adjusted risk of readmission for a cardiovascular event in comparison to individuals in the Appendicitis group [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=1.43, 95% CI, 1.22-1.69].

CONCLUSIONS

Given the elevated risk of cardiovascular morbidity among individuals with schizophrenia, our findings add to the importance of screening and intervention programs for metabolic disorders and known cardiovascular risk factors among patients with schizophrenia.