Differentiating between Bipolar Disorder types I and II: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)

Phenotypic clustering of bipolar disorder supports stratification by lithium responsiveness over diagnostic subtypes

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine whether the clinical profiles of bipolar disorder (BD) patients could be differentiated more clearly using the existing classification by diagnostic subtype or by lithium treatment responsiveness.

METHODS

We included adult patients with BD-I or II (N = 477 across four sites) who were treated with lithium as their principal mood stabilizer for at least 1 year. Treatment responsiveness was defined using the dichotomized Alda score. We performed hierarchical clustering on phenotypes defined by 40 features, covering demographics, clinical course, family history, suicide behaviour, and comorbid conditions. We then measured the amount of information that inferred clusters carried about (A) BD subtype and (B) lithium responsiveness using adjusted mutual information (AMI) scores. Detailed phenotypic profiles across clusters were then evaluated with univariate comparisons.

RESULTS

Two clusters were identified (n = 56 and n = 421), which captured significantly more information about lithium responsiveness (AMI range: 0.033 to 0.133) than BD subtype (AMI: 0.004 to 0.011). The smaller cluster had disproportionately more lithium responders (n = 47 [83.8%]) when compared to the larger cluster (103 [24.4%]; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Phenotypes derived from detailed clinical data may carry more information about lithium responsiveness than the current classification of diagnostic subtype. These findings support lithium responsiveness as a valid approach to stratification in clinical samples.

Functioning and neurocognition in very early and early-life onset bipolar disorders: the moderating role of bipolar disorder type

Defining homogeneous subgroups of bipolar disorder (BD) is a major goal in personalized psychiatry and research. According to the neurodevelopmental theory, age at onset may be a key variable. As potential trait markers of neurodevelopment, cognitive and functional impairment should be greater in the early form of the disease, particularly type 1 BD (BD I). The age at onset was assessed in a multicenter, observational sample of 4190 outpatients with BD. We used a battery of neuropsychological tests to assess six domains of cognition. Functioning was measured using the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). We studied the potential moderation of the type of BD on the associations between the age at onset and cognitive and functioning in a subsample of 2072 euthymic participants, controlling for potential clinical and socio-demographic covariates. Multivariable analyses showed cognition to not be impaired in individuals with early (21-30 years) and very early-life (before 14 years) onset of BD. Functioning was equivalent between individuals with early and midlife-onset of BD II and NOS but better for individuals with early onset of BD I. In contrast, functioning was not worse in individuals with very early-onset BD I but worse in those with very early-onset BD II and NOS. Early-life onset BDs were not characterized by poorer cognition and functioning. Our results do not support the neurodevelopmental view that a worse cognitive prognosis characterizes early-life onset BD. This study suggests that functional remediation may be prioritized for individuals with midlife-onset BD I and very early life onset BD 2 and NOS.

Network dysfunction of sadness facial expression processing and morphometry in euthymic bipolar disorder

Facial emotion recognition (FER), including sadness, is altered in bipolar disorder (BD). However, the relationship between this impairment and the brain structure in BD is relatively unexplored. Furthermore, its association with clinical variables and with the subtypes of BD remains to be clarified. Twenty euthymic patients with BD type I (BD-I), 28 BD type II (BD-II), and 45 healthy controls completed a FER test and a 3D-T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Gray matter volume (GMV) of the cortico-limbic regions implicated in emotional processing was estimated and their relationship with FER performance was investigated using network analysis. Patients with BD-I had worse total and sadness-related FER performance relative to the other groups. Total FER performance was significantly negatively associated with illness duration and positively associated with global functioning in patients with BD-I. Sadness-related FER performance was also significantly negatively associated with the number of previous manic episodes. Network analysis showed a reduced association of the GMV of the frontal-insular-occipital areas in patients with BD-I, with a greater edge strength between sadness-related FER performance and amygdala GMV relative to controls. Our results suggest that FER performance, particularly for facial sadness, may be distinctively impaired in patients with BD-I. The pattern of reduced interrelationship in the frontal-insular-occipital regions and a stronger positive relationship between facial sadness recognition and the amygdala GMV in BD may reflect altered cortical modulation of limbic structures that ultimately predisposes to emotional dysregulation. Future longitudinal studies investigating the effect of mood state on FER performance in BD are warranted.

Evaluation of a novel instrument for detecting bipolar disorders in China: The Rapid Mood Screener (RMS)

OBJECTIVE

Bipolar disorder is easily misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) was developed to address this unmet clinical need. This study aims to translate and evaluated the reliability and validity of the RMS in Chinese adults with bipolar I/II disorder (BD-I/II).

METHODS

Brislin's translation and Delphi method were conducted to formulate the RMS-Chinses version (RMS-C). Patients with MDD (N = 99), BD-I (N = 77) and BD-II (N = 78) were included to assess the validity and reliability of RMS-C. The area under the curve (AUC) was computed to ascertain the ability of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and RMS-C to distinguish BD-I and BD-II from MDD. The optimal cut-off scores for classification were also calculated by the maximum sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The intraclass correlation coefficient of the RMS-C was 0.82 (95%CI, 0.71-0.89). The content validity index by six items were 0.71, 0.86, 1.00, 0.86, 1.00, and 1.00 in turn, and by scales was 0.90. The AUCs of the RMS-C in both BD-I/II, BD-I alone and BD-II alone were 0.83 (95 % CI, 0.78-0.89), 0.82 (95 % CI, 0.75-0.89) and 0.85 (95 % CI, 0.79-0.91), respectively, and were comparably to the MDQ. The optimal RMS-C values of the presence of BD-I and BD-II were >4 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The RMS-C is a valid, simple self-administer screening tool to help identify BD-I or BD-II in persons experiencing a depressive episode. Validating the impact of screening with the RMS-C on health outcomes and health economics is warranted.

The prevalence and clinical correlates of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder: Results from a national survey in China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Suicide is nearly always associated with underlying mental disorders. Risk factors for suicide attempts (SAs) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain unelucidated. This study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of SAs in Chinese patients with BD misdiagnosed with MDD.

METHODS

A total of 1487 patients with MDD from 13 mental health institutions in China were enrolled. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to identify patients with BD who are misdiagnosed as MDD. The general sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients were collected and MINI suicide module was used to identify patients with SAs in these misdiagnosed patients.

RESULTS

In China, 20.6% of patients with BD were incorrectly diagnosed as having MDD. Among these misdiagnosed patients, 26.5% had attempted suicide. These patients tended to be older, had a higher number of hospitalizations, and were more likely to experience frequent and seasonal depressive episodes with atypical features, psychotic symptoms, and suicidal thoughts. Frequent depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts during depression were identified as independent risk factors for SAs. Additionally, significant sociodemographic and clinical differences were found between individuals misdiagnosed with MDD in BD and patients with MDD who have attempted suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in individuals with BD and provide valuable insights for the targeted identification and intervention of individuals with BD misdiagnosed as having MDD and those with genuine MDD, particularly in relation to suicidal behavior.

Differential characteristics of bipolar I and II disorders: a retrospective, cross-sectional evaluation of clinical features, illness course, and response to treatment

BACKGROUND

The distinction between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder and its treatment implications have been a matter of ongoing debate. The aim of this study was to examine differences between patients with bipolar I and II disorders with particular emphasis on the early phases of the disorders.

METHODS

808 subjects diagnosed with bipolar I (N = 587) or bipolar II disorder (N = 221) according to DSM-IV criteria were recruited between April 1994 and March 2022 from tertiary-level mood disorder clinics. Sociodemographic and clinical variables concerning psychiatric and medical comorbidities, family history, illness course, suicidal behavior, and response to treatment were compared between the bipolar disorder types.

RESULTS

Bipolar II disorder patients were more frequently women, older, married or widowed. Bipolar II disorder was associated with later "bipolar" presentation, higher age at first (hypo)mania and treatment, less frequent referral after a single episode, and more episodes before lithium treatment. A higher proportion of first-degree relatives of bipolar II patients were affected by major depression and anxiety disorders. The course of bipolar II disorder was typically characterized by depressive onset, early depressive episodes, multiple depressive recurrences, and depressive predominant polarity; less often by (hypo)mania or (hypo)mania-depression cycles at onset or during the early course. The lifetime clinical course was more frequently rated as chronic fluctuating than episodic. More patients with bipolar II disorder had a history of rapid cycling and/or high number of episodes. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics were prescribed less frequently during the early course of bipolar II disorder, while antidepressants were more common. We found no differences in global functioning, lifetime suicide attempts, family history of suicide, age at onset of mood disorders and depressive episodes, and lithium response.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between bipolar I and II disorders are not limited to the severity of (hypo)manic syndromes but include patterns of clinical course and family history. Caution in the use of potentially mood-destabilizing agents is warranted during the early course of bipolar II disorder.

Clinical correlates of suicidality and self-injurious behaviour among Canadian adolescents with bipolar disorder

There is high risk of suicidality in bipolar disorder (BD), particularly in early onset cases. The literature regarding correlates and putative predictors of suicide attempts (SA), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation (SI) among youth with BD remains sparse. Participants included 197 adolescents with BD, divided into 4 groups: SA (with or without NSSI), NSSI (with or without SI), SI only, and comparison group (CG; no SA/NSSI/SI). Diagnoses, treatment, and suicidality measures were determined via semi-structured interviews, conducted between 2009 and 2017. Univariate analyses were followed by multinomial regression. Overall, 73.6% of participants had history of SA, NSSI, and/or SI. In comparison to CG, SA and NSSI were each associated with BD-II/-NOS (odds ratio [OR] = 15.99, p = 0.002; OR = 16.76, p = 0.003), female sex (OR = 6.89, p = 0.006; OR = 3.76, p = 0.02), and emotion dysregulation (OR = 1.10, p < 0.001; OR = 1.07, p = 0.004). NSSI and SI were each associated with most severe lifetime depression (OR = 1.10, p = 0.01; OR = 1.10, p = 0.01). SA and SI were associated with psychiatric hospitalization (OR = 19.45, p = 0.001; OR = 6.09, p = 0.03). SA was associated with poorer global functioning at most severe episode (OR = 0.88, p = 0.008). NSSI was associated with not living with both natural parents (OR = 0.22, p = 0.009). Study limitations include cross-sectional and retrospective design, stringent cut-offs for SA and NSSI, and recruitment from a tertiary clinical setting. Three quarters of adolescents with BD have had suicidality and/or self-injury. SA and NSSI were most similar to one another, and most different from CG, supporting the broader construct of self-harm. Future research should address the gap in knowledge regarding how sex differences and neurobiology are associated with the observed clinical differences.

Stress exposure and well-being: correlates of meeting criteria for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or both

PURPOSE

Bipolar and borderline personality disorders share similar features, are challenging to differentiate and sometimes co-occur in the same individual. This paper compares people with bipolar, borderline, both or neither, analyzing sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime exposure to stressors, and emotional, social, and physical wellbeing to illuminate differences in life experiences associated with expressing symptoms consistent with bipolar, borderline, or both.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the 2012-13 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III), N = 36,309. Survey participants were classified as bipolar (N = 488, 1.3%), borderline (N = 1758, 4.8%), both (N = 388, 1.1%), or neither (N = 33,675, 92.8%). Differences between these groups regarding demographics, adverse childhood experiences, recent stressors, lifetime trauma, psychiatric co-morbidities, and emotional, social, and physical wellbeing were assessed with the adjusted Wald F test.

RESULTS

People with bipolar were more likely to also have borderline (44.3%) than the reverse (18.1%). People with both disorders were least advantaged socioeconomically, most exposed to stressors and traumas across the life course, and had the worst wellbeing emotionally, socially, and physically. Differences between people with both disorders vs. borderline only were smaller than between people with borderline vs. bipolar, although bipolar disorder was associated with considerable hardship relative to having neither disorder.

CONCLUSION

Borderline personality disorder alone or in combination with bipolar is associated with worse economic, social, and health outcomes than bipolar alone. Borderline can resolve with evidence-based treatment, and it is critical to correctly differentiate between the two conditions, so people with borderline and/or bipolar have the optimum chance for recovery.

Differences between bipolar disorder types 1 and 2 support the DSM two-syndrome concept

Objective

To compare characteristics of bipolar disorder patients diagnosed as DSM-5 types I (BD-1) vs. II (BD-2).

Methods

We compared descriptive, psychopathological, and treatment characteristics in a sample of 1377 consenting, closely and repeatedly evaluated adult BD patient-subjects from a specialty clinic, using bivariate methods and logistic multivariable modeling.

Results

Factors found more among BD-2 > BD-1 cases included: [a] descriptors (more familial affective disorder, older at onset, diagnosis and first-treatment, more education, employment and higher socioeconomic status, more marriage and children, and less obesity); [b] morbidity (more general medical diagnoses, less drug abuse and smoking, more initial depression and less [hypo]mania or psychosis, longer episodes, higher intake depression and anxiety ratings, less mood-switching with antidepressants, less seasonal mood-change, greater %-time depressed and less [hypo]manic, fewer hospitalizations, more depression-predominant polarity, DMI > MDI course-pattern, and less violent suicidal behavior); [c] specific item-scores with initial HDRS₂₁ (higher scores for depression, guilt, suicidality, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypochondriasis and weight-loss, with less psychomotor retardation, depersonalization, or paranoia); and [d] treatment (less use of lithium or antipsychotics, more antidepressant and benzodiazepine treatment).

Conclusions

BD-2 was characterized by more prominent and longer depressions with some hypomania and mixed-features but not mania and rarely psychosis. BD-2 subjects had higher socioeconomic and functional status but also high levels of long-term morbidity and suicidal risk. Accordingly, BD-2 is dissimilar to, but not necessarily less severe than BD-1, consistent with being distinct syndromes.

Familial aggregation of anxiety disorder subtypes and anxious temperament in the NIMH Family Study of Affective Spectrum Disorders

BACKGROUND

Evidence from family and twin studies suggests that mood and anxiety disorders, and related temperamental factors may share common etiologic factors. We examine the familial aggregation and coaggregation of anxiety disorder subtypes and anxiety-related temperamental traits, and their association with mood disorders.

METHODS

A total of 477 probands and 549 first-degree adult relatives from a large community based family study of affective spectrum disorders completed semi-structured diagnostic interviews and self-reported assessments of temperamental traits including: negative affectivity on the 'Positive and Negative Affect Schedule' (PANAS), neuroticism anxiety on the 'Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire' (ZKPQ), and anxiety sensitivity on the 'Anxiety Sensitivity Index' (ASI).

RESULTS

The anxiety-related temperamental traits of negative affectivity, neuroticism anxiety and anxiety sensitivity had significant familial specificity, even after controlling for comorbid mood and anxiety disorders in probands and relatives. Yet, these traits in probands did not predict anxiety disorders in relatives. Although some anxiety subtypes were familial, there were no longer familial links between anxiety disorder subtypes (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety or panic disorder) after controlling for mood disorder subtypes in probands and relatives.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional interviews were used to estimate disorders, and self-report measures were used for temperamental traits.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm previous research regarding familial overlap between anxiety subtypes and mood disorders, however their shared liability cannot be fully explained by anxiety-related temperamental traits. These findings suggest that anxiety-related temperamental traits may indicate a vulnerability for mood and anxiety disorders or a potential consequence of these conditions.

Clinical and genetic differences between bipolar disorder type 1 and 2 in multiplex families

The two major subtypes of bipolar disorder (BD), BD-I and BD-II, are distinguished based on the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes. Historically, BD-II was perceived as a less severe form of BD-I. Recent research has challenged this concept of a severity continuum. Studies in large samples of unrelated patients have described clinical and genetic differences between the subtypes. Besides an increased schizophrenia polygenic risk load in BD-I, these studies also observed an increased depression risk load in BD-II patients. The present study assessed whether such clinical and genetic differences are also found in BD patients from multiplex families, which exhibit reduced genetic and environmental heterogeneity. Comparing 252 BD-I and 75 BD-II patients from the Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) study, the clinical course, symptoms during depressive and manic episodes, and psychiatric comorbidities were analyzed. Furthermore, polygenic risk scores (PRS) for BD, schizophrenia, and depression were assessed. BD-I patients not only suffered from more severe symptoms during manic episodes but also more frequently showed incapacity during depressive episodes. A higher BD PRS was significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Moreover, BD-I cases exhibited lower depression PRS. In line with a severity continuum from BD-II to BD-I, our results link BD-I to a more pronounced clinical presentation in both mania and depression and indicate that the polygenic risk load of BD predisposes to more severe disorder characteristics. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the genetic risk burden for depression also shapes disorder presentation and increases the likelihood of BD-II subtype development.

Lifetime cocaine use is a potential predictor for conversion from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder: A prospective study

AIM

We aimed to identify whether lifetime cocaine use is a risk factor for conversion from major depressive disorder (MDD) to bipolar disorder (BD) in an outpatient sample of adults.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 585 subjects aged 18 to 60 years who had been diagnosed with MDD as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) at baseline (2012-2015). Subjects were reassessed a mean of 3 years later (2017-2018) for potential conversion to BD as assessed by the MINI-Plus. Lifetime cocaine use was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test.

RESULTS

In the second wave, we had 117 (20%) losses, and 468 patients were reassessed. The rate of conversion from MDD to BD in 3 years was 12.4% (n = 58). A logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for conversion from MDD to BD was 3.41-fold higher (95% confidence interval, 1.11-10.43) in subjects who reported lifetime cocaine use at baseline as compared to individuals who did not report lifetime cocaine use at baseline, after adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders.

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that lifetime cocaine use is a potential predictor of conversion to BD in an MDD cohort. Further studies are needed to assess the possible underlying mechanisms linking exposure to cocaine with BD conversion.

Differences in metacognitive beliefs among patients with bipolar disorder with or without previous suicide attempts

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare differences in metacognitive beliefs between patients with bipolar disorder type I (BPDI) with previous suicide attempts (BPDI+), those without suicide attempts (BPDI-), and a control group. It also discusses the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and suicidal behavioral parameters. Materials and methods: The study included 72 BPDI+ and 73 BPDI- euthymic patients and 86 healthy age- and gender-matched individuals. All participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory, Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire, and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I. In addition, the Young Mania Rating Scale was used for the patient groups. Results: Both the BPDI+ and BPDI- patients had higher MCQ-30 scores than the control group (p < .01). Scores for the 'need to control thoughts' subscale were higher in the BPDI+ group than in the BPDI- group and were also higher in both the BPDI+ and BPDI- groups compared to the control group (p < .01). In addition, the 'cognitive self-consciousness' sub-scores of the BPDI- group were higher than those of the BPDI+ and the control group. Conclusion: The scores of 'cognitive self-consciousness' and 'need to control thoughts' vary across BPDI+ and BPDI- patients. It seems important to consider metacognitive beliefs regarding 'need to control thoughts' and 'cognitive self-consciousness' in terms of suicide prevention.

Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research

Over the last three decades burgeoning research has shown that anxiety disorder comorbidity is not only highly prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD), but it also adversely impacts the course, outcome, and treatment of BD. The present review provides an overview of the current trends in research on comorbid anxiety and BDs based on prior reviews and meta-analyses (n = 103), epidemiological surveys, and large-scale clinical studies. The results reiterated the fact that at least half of those with BD are likely to develop an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes and a third of them will manifest an anxiety disorder at any point of time. All types of anxiety disorders were equally common in BD. However, there was a wide variation in rates across different sources, with most of this discrepancy being accounted for by methodological differences between reports. Comorbid anxiety disorders negatively impacted the presentation and course of BD. This unfavourable clinical profile led to poorer outcome and functioning and impeded treatment of BD. Despite the extensive body of research there was paucity of data on aetiology and treatment of anxiety disorder comorbidity in BD. Nevertheless, the substantial burden and unique characteristics of this comorbidity has important clinical and research implications.

Clinical characterization of Italian suicide attempters with bipolar disorder

IntroductionBipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, highly disabling condition associated with psychiatric/medical comorbidity and substantive morbidity, mortality, and suicide risks. In prior reports, varying parameters have been associated with suicide risk.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate sociodemographic and clinical variables characterizing Italian individuals with BD with versus without prior suicide attempt (PSA).

METHODS

A sample of 362 Italian patients categorized as BD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) was assessed and divided in 2 subgroups: with and without PSA. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were compared between prior attempters and non-attempters using corrected multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

RESULTS

More than one-fourth of BD patients (26.2%) had a PSA, with approximately one-third (31%) of these having>1 PSA. Depressive polarity at onset, higher number of psychiatric hospitalizations, comorbid alcohol abuse, comorbid eating disorders, and psychiatric poly-comorbidity were significantly more frequent (p<.05) in patients with versus without PSA. Additionally, treatment with lithium, polypharmacotherapy (≥4 current drugs) and previous psychosocial rehabilitation were significantly more often present in patients with versus without PSA.

CONCLUSIONS

We found several clinical variables associated with PSA in BD patients. Even though these retrospective findings did not address causality, they could be clinically relevant to better understanding suicidal behavior in BD and adopting proper strategies to prevent suicide in higher risk patients.

Psychiatric comorbidity in alcohol use disorders: results from the German S3 guidelines

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) have a high comorbidity with mental disorders. Vice versa, alcohol consumption plays an important role in affective disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, schizophrenic psychosis, and other mental disorders. In developing the current interdisciplinary, evidence-based treatment guideline on screening, diagnostics, and treatment of AUD, available research on comorbid mental diseases in AUD has been compiled to generate recommendations for treatment. The guideline was prepared under the responsibility of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics (DGPPN) and the German Association for Addiction Research and Therapy (DG-Sucht). To meet the methodological criteria for the highest quality guidelines ("S3-criteria") as defined by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF), the following criteria were employed: (1) a systematic search, selection, and appraisal of the international literature; (2) a structured process to reach consensus; and (3) inclusion of all relevant representatives of future guideline users. After assessing and grading the available literature, the expert groups generated several recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of comorbid mental disorders. These recommendations were subdivided into psycho-, pharmaco-, and combination therapies. These are the first guidelines ever to make specific treatment recommendations for comorbid mental diseases in AUD. The recommendations extend to different treatment approaches including diagnostics and settings to present available effective and state-of-the-art treatment approaches to clinicians. Hitherto, many clinical constellations have not been addressed in research. Therefore, recommendations for future research are specified.

Socio-demographic and clinical characterization of patients with Bipolar Disorder I vs II: a Nationwide Italian Study

Bipolar disorders (BDs) are prevalent, comorbid and disabling conditions, associated with the highest suicide risk among psychiatric illnesses. In the last few years, new efforts to better characterize the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of BD type I vs II have been documented by several reports, with novel and insightful findings in the field. The present multicenter study aimed to provide a comprehensive and reliable representation of the Italian reality, through the analysis of the largest national sample of bipolar patients collected so far. A total of 1500 patients (BD I n = 963 and BD II n = 537) from different psychiatric departments, participating in the Italian Chapter of the "International Society of Bipolar Disorders" (ISBD), were assessed and divided into two groups on the basis of their diagnostic subtype, and different socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared between the two subgroups. Chi-squared tests for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables were performed for group comparison. Furthermore, a multivariable logistic regression was performed, considering diagnostic bipolar subtype (type I or II) as dependent variable, and socio-demographic/clinical characteristics as independent variables. BD I vs II patients showed an overall less favorable socio-demographic and clinical profile. In addition, the multivariable logistic regression showed that BD II vs BD I was predicted by the absence of lifetime suicide attempts (OR = 1.58, p = 0.01), a later age of diagnosis (OR = 1.03, p < 0.01), less hypomanic episodes in the last year (OR = 2.29, p < 0.0001) and absence of psycho-educational interventions in the last year (OR = 0.51, p < 0.01). BD I and II patients were found to significantly differ in relation to specific clinical variables, which should be considered within updated diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms.

The relative influence of individual risk factors for attempted suicide in patients with bipolar I versus bipolar II disorder

OBJECTIVES

To compare the relative influence (RI) of individual predictors for lifetime attempted suicide between adults with bipolar I (BDBD-I) and bipolar II disorder (BDBD-II).

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of data from 1465 enrollees in the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Disorder Biobank. Demographic and clinical variables and history of attempted suicide were ascertained using standardized questionnaires. Height and weight were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI); obesity was defined as BMI ≥30kg/m². The frequencies of these variables were compared between persons with and without self-reported lifetime suicide attempts both overall, and within BD-I and BD-II subgroups. Gradient boosting machine (GBM) models were used to quantify the RI of study variables on the risk of lifetime attempted suicide.

RESULTS

Nearly one-third of patients reported having a lifetime suicide attempt. Attempted suicide rates were higher in patients with BD-I than BD-II, but absolute differences were small. Lifetime attempted suicide was associated with female sex, BD-I subtype, psychiatric and substance use comorbidities, binge eating behavior, lifetime history of rapid cycling, other indicators of adverse illness course, and early age of bipolar illness onset in the entire cohort. Differences in the rank-ordering of RI for predictors of attempted suicide between BD-I and BD-II patients were modest. Rapid cycling was a strong risk factor for attempted suicide, particularly in men with BD-I.

LIMITATIONS

Actively psychotic or suicidal patients needing psychiatric hospitalization were initially excluded, but were approached after these acute psychiatric problems resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of lifetime attempted suicide was significantly higher in BD-I than BD-II in this large, cross-sectional cohort. Predictors of attempted suicide were similar in BD-I and BD-II subgroups.

Italian Bipolar II vs I patients have better individual functioning, in spite of overall similar illness severity

Introduction Bipolar disorders (BDs) comprise different variants of chronic, comorbid, and disabling conditions, with relevant suicide and suicide attempt rates. The hypothesis that BD types I (BDI) and II (BDII) represent more and less severe forms of illness, respectively, has been increasingly questioned over recent years, justifying additional investigation to better characterize related sociodemographic and clinical profiles.

METHODS

A sample of 217 outpatients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)-described BD (141 BDI, 76 BDII), without a current syndromal mood episode, was recruited, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of BDI and II patients were compared.

RESULTS

BDII patients had significantly more favorable sociodemographics, in relation to occupational stability, cohabitation, and marital status. However, BDII compared with BDI patients had significantly longer duration of untreated illness, more frequent lifetime anxiety disorders comorbidity, longer most recent episode duration, higher rate of depressive first/most recent episode, and more current antidepressant use. In contrast, BDI compared with BDII patients had significantly more severe illness in terms of earlier age at onset; higher rate of elevated first/most recent episode, lifetime hospitalizations, and involuntary commitments; lower Global Assessment of Functioning score; and more current antipsychotic use. BDI and II patients had similar duration of illness, psychiatric family history, lifetime number of suicide attempts, current subthreshold symptoms, history of stressful life events, and overall psychiatric/medical comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

BDII compared with BDI patients had more favorable sociodemographic features, but a mixture of specific unfavorable illness characteristics, confirming that BDII is not just a milder form of BD and requires further investigation in the field.

Bipolar I disorder with comorbid PTSD: Demographic and clinical correlates in a sample of hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND

According to data from epidemiological and clinical samples, there are elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients with bipolar disorder (BD). However, little is known about the clinical correlates that may distinguish patients with BD and comorbid PTSD from those without comorbid PTSD. The present study sought to elucidate those differences and examine factors, such as psychosis, history of suicide attempts, and comorbid personality disorders, which may predict comorbid PTSD in patients with BD-I.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 230 psychiatric inpatients with BD-I.

RESULTS

Patients with BD-I and comorbid PTSD were significantly more likely to be female, to be depressed (vs. manic), to have a comorbid personality disorder, and to have a history of suicide attempt. Also, BD-I patients with PTSD were significantly less likely to present for their inpatient hospital stay with psychosis. These effects remained significant after controlling for mood episode polarity, suggesting that findings were not fully explained by the higher incidence of depression in the comorbid PTSD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BD-I and comorbid PTSD appear to be a high risk population with need for enhanced monitoring of suicidality. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Verbal fluency in bipolar disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

One of the main features of bipolar disorder (BD), besides mood dysregulation, is an alteration of the structure of language. Bipolar patients present changes in semantic contents, impaired verbal associations, abnormal prosody and abnormal speed of language highlighted with various experimental tasks. Verbal fluency tasks are widely used to assess the abilities of bipolar patients to retrieve and produce verbal material from the lexico-semantic memory. Studies using these tasks have however yielded discrepant results. The aim of this study was thus to determine the extent of the verbal fluency impairment in BD patients and to evaluate if the deficits are affected by the type of task or by mood states.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EBSCOHost and Google Scholar and relevant data were submitted to a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were retained providing data for 52 independent groups of BD patients. The overall meta-analysis revealed a moderate verbal fluency impairment in BD compared to healthy controls (effect size d=0.61). Comparisons between mood states showed significant differences only between euthymic and manic patients and only on category fluency performances.

LIMITATIONS

This review is limited by the heterogeneity between studies for the characteristics of BD populations. Also, few of the retained studies examined depressive or mixed episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

This work confirms that BD patients present with moderate verbal fluency impairments, and underlines the specific effect of mood state on category fluency. This emphasizes the need to distinguish semantic from phonological processes in verbal fluency assessments in BD.

Comorbidity of bipolar and substance use disorders in national surveys of general populations, 1990-2015: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common in people with a bipolar disorder (BD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of SUDs in persons with BD based on national or international surveys of household populations.

METHODS

Studies published from 1990 to Dec 31, 2015 were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE. psychINFO, and CINAHL databases and reference lists. We calculated prevalence rates and conducted meta-analysis with random-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified 9 unique surveys of which two surveys were repeated 10 years later using independent samples. The total sample size was 218,397 subjects. The mean prevalence for any illicit drug use disorder was 17%, for alcohol use disorder (AUD) it was 24% and SUD it was 33%. The strongest associations were found between BD and illicit drug use (pooled odds ratio (OR) 4.96, 95% CI 3.98-6.17) followed closely by BD and AUD (OR 4.09, 95% CI 3.37-4.96). The association was higher for BD respondents using illicit drugs compared to bipolar II respondents (ORs 7.48 vs. 3.30).

LIMITATIONS

Some of the meta-analysis grouped illicit substances together without taking into consideration types of substance use which may differ widely between countries and over time. All included studies were cross-sectional so onset and causality can not be determined.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis revealed that people with an alcohol use disorder were 4.1 times of greater risk of having a BD compared to those without an AUD. The risks were even higher for illicit drug users where they were 5.0 times of greater risk of having BD compared to non-users. These data confirm strong associations between co-occurring SUDs and BD, indicating a need for more informative studies to help develop better interventions in treating persons with BD and comorbid SUDs.

Prevalence of comorbid bipolar and substance use disorders in clinical settings, 1990-2015: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUDs) and bipolar disorder (BD) is highly prevalent to the extent it may almost be regarded the norm. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of SUDs in treatment seeking patients diagnosed with BD in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of Medline, EMBASE, psychINFO and CINAHL databases was conducted from 1990 to 2015. Prevalence of co-morbid SUDs and BD were extracted and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There were 151 articles identified by electronic searches that yielded 22 large, multi-site studies and 56 individual studies describing comorbid rates of SUDs amongst community dwelling, BD inpatients or outpatients. The SUDs with the highest prevalence in BD were alcohol use (42%) followed by cannabis use (20%) and other illicit drug use (17%). Meta-analysis showed males had higher lifetime risks of SUDs compared to females. BD and comorbid SUDS were associated with earlier age of onset and slightly more hospitalisations than non-users.

LIMITATIONS

The results do not take into account the possibility that individuals may have more than one comorbid disorder, such as having more than one SUD, anxiety disorder, or other combination. Some of the meta-analyses were based on relatively few studies with high rates of heterogeneity. Most included studies were cross-sectional and therefore causality cannot be inferred.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows comorbidity between SUDs and bipolar illness is highly prevalent in hospital and community-based samples. The prevalence of SUDs was similar in patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. This study adds to the literature demonstrating that SUDs are common in BD and reinforces the need to provide better interventions and properly conducted treatment trials to reduce the burden conferred by comorbid SUD and BD.

Age at onset in patients with bipolar I and II disorder: a comparison of large sample studies

BACKGROUND

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and factors contributing to its burden include chronic relapsing course, comorbidity, suicide risk, and early age at onset (AAO). In particular, recent investigation has shown that BD onset may occur earlier than previously believed, even though whether BDI and II are different in such regard is still debated. Reduced samples may, moreover, limit the confidence in the published studies, with geographic issues, in turn, representing potentially conditioning factors. The present review was aimed to select and analyze large sample studies comparing AAO in BDI vs II patients.

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was performed, considering English-written articles published up to December 2015, comparing AAO in BDI vs II patients with sample size≥100 subjects per group.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were considered suitable for revision, with 8 studies reporting statistically significant differences and 9 not. Among studies reporting statistically significant differences, mostly conducted in Europe, 6 showed an earlier AAO in BDI, while 2 in BDII subjects.

LIMITATIONS

Only studies with large samples included, considering AAO as a continuous variable, and providing a comparison between the bipolar subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that AAO per se does not seem to reliably differentiate BDI from BDII patients and that such variable should likely be investigated in the context of other clinical characteristics, in order to assess its overall influence over BD course. Geographic factors may, in turn, play a potential role with future investigation warranted to further explore this specific issue.

Decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVES

Decreased levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been found in adult patients with bipolar disorder (BD) compared with a comparison group, yet there are no data specifically examining this in geriatric patients. The objective of this study was to examine whether euthymic late-life BD patients have lower BDNF levels than healthy comparators.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Clinics at the University of Pittsburgh and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto).

PARTICIPANTS

Older patients with BD (age ≥50 years, N = 118) and similarly aged healthy comparators (N = 76). There were both BD type I (N = 91) and type II (N = 27) patients.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum BDNF levels were assessed in BD patients and healthy comparators.

RESULTS

We found lower levels of BDNF in patients with BD than in healthy comparators (9.0 ± 6.2 versus 12.3 ± 8.9 pg/µg, t(192) = -3.01, p = 0.002), which remained even after controlling for age, sex, lithium use, and site (F(1,176) = 4.32, p = 0.039). This decrease was found specifically in patients with BD type I (8.0 ± 5.5 versus 12.3 ± 8.9 pg/µg, t(165) = 3.7, Bonferroni p < 0.001), but not type II (12.0 ± 7.5 versus 12.3 ± 8.9 pg/µg, t(101) = 0.14, Bonferroni p = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with BD have lower serum levels of BDNF compared with similarly aged comparators. These effects appear to be specific to patients with BD type I. Future studies are needed to investigate the impact of reduced BDNF levels on cognition, mood, and other aspects of BD throughout the life course.

Lifetime Characteristics of Evening-Preference and Irregular Bed-Rise Time Are Associated With Lifetime Seasonal Variation of Mood and Behavior: Comparison Between Individuals With Bipolar Disorder and Healthy Controls

Sleep-wake cycle disruption and seasonal variation in mood and behavior have been associated with mood disorders. This study aimed to investigate the lifetime characteristics of the sleep-wake cycle and its association with the lifetime characteristics of seasonality in individuals with bipolar disorder. Circadian preference, regularity of bed-rise time, and seasonality were evaluated on a lifetime basis using the Composite Scale of Morningness, the Sleep Timing Questionnaire, and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in clinically stable individuals with bipolar I/II disorders (n = 103/97) and healthy controls (n = 270). Bipolar groups were more likely to have evening preference and irregular bed-rise time. These characteristics were interrelated and, particularly, more prevalent in bipolar II disorder. Seasonality, which was also more prevalent in the bipolar groups, was associated with evening preference and irregularity of the weekday bed-rise time.

Predictors of psychiatric readmission among patients with bipolar disorder at an academic safety-net hospital

OBJECTIVE

Even with treatment, approximately one-third of patients with bipolar disorder relapse into depression or mania within 1 year. Unfavorable clinical outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder include increased rates of psychiatric hospitalization and functional impairment. However, only a few studies have examined predictors of psychiatric hospital readmission in a sample of patients with bipolar disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of psychiatric readmission within 30 days, 90 days and 1 year of discharge among patients with bipolar disorder using a conceptual model adapted from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted in a sample of 2443 adult patients with bipolar disorder who were consecutively admitted to a public psychiatric hospital in the United States from 1 January to 31 December 2013.

RESULTS

In the multivariate models, several enabling and need factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of readmission across all time periods examined, including being uninsured, having ⩾3 psychiatric hospitalizations and having a lower Global Assessment of Functioning score. Additional factors associated with psychiatric readmission within 30 and 90 days of discharge included patient homelessness. Patient race/ethnicity, bipolar disorder type or a current manic episode did not significantly predict readmission across all time periods examined; however, patients who were male were more likely to readmit within 1 year. The 30-day and 1-year multivariate models showed the best model fit.

CONCLUSION

Our study found enabling and need factors to be the strongest predictors of psychiatric readmission, suggesting that the prevention of psychiatric readmission for patients with bipolar disorder at safety-net hospitals may be best achieved by developing and implementing innovative transitional care initiatives that address the issues of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, housing instability, insurance coverage and functional impairment.

The Bipolar II Depression Questionnaire: A Self-Report Tool for Detecting Bipolar II Depression

Bipolar II (BP-II) depression is often misdiagnosed as unipolar (UP) depression, resulting in suboptimal treatment. Tools for differentiating between these two types of depression are lacking. This study aimed to develop a simple, self-report screening instrument to help distinguish BP-II depression from UP depressive disorder. A prototype BP-II depression questionnaire (BPIIDQ-P) was constructed following a literature review, panel discussions and a field trial. Consecutively assessed patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder or BP with depressive episodes completed the BPIIDQ-P at a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Hong Kong between October and December 2013. Data were analyzed using discriminant analysis and logistic regression. Of the 298 subjects recruited, 65 (21.8%) were males and 233 (78.2%) females. There were 112 (37.6%) subjects with BP depression [BP-I = 42 (14.1%), BP-II = 70 (23.5%)] and 182 (62.4%) with UP depression. Based on family history, age at onset, postpartum depression, episodic course, attacks of anxiety, hypersomnia, social phobia and agoraphobia, the 8-item BPIIDQ-8 was constructed. The BPIIDQ-8 differentiated subjects with BP-II from those with UP depression with a sensitivity/specificity of 0.75/0.63 for the whole sample and 0.77/0.72 for a female subgroup with a history of childbirth. The BPIIDQ-8 can differentiate BP-II from UP depression at the secondary care level with satisfactory to good reliability and validity. It has good potential as a screening tool for BP-II depression in primary care settings. Recall bias, the relatively small sample size, and the high proportion of females in the BP-II sample limit the generalization of the results.

Suicide attempts in bipolar disorders: comprehensive review of 101 reports

OBJECTIVE

Assess reported risk of suicide attempts by patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

METHOD

Systematic searching yielded 101 reports from 22 countries (79 937 subjects). We analyzed for risk (%) and incidence rates (%/year) of attempts, comparing sex and diagnostic types, including by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Attempt risk averaged 31.1% [CI: 27.9-34.3] of subjects, or 4.24 [3.78-4.70]%/year. In BD-I (43 studies) and BD-II subjects (30 studies), risks (29.9%, 31.4%) and incidence rates (4.01, 4.11%/year) were similar and not different by meta-analysis. Among women vs. men, risks (33.7% vs. 25.5%) and incidence (4.50 vs. 3.21%/year) were greater (also supported by meta-analysis: RR = 1.35 [CI: 1.25-1.45], P < 0.0001). Neither measure was related to reporting year, % women/study, or to onset or current age. Risks were greater with longer exposure, whereas incidence rates decreased with longer time at risk, possibly through 'dilution' by longer exposure.

CONCLUSION

This systematic update of international experience underscores high risks of suicide attempts among patients with BD (BD-I = BD-II; women > men). Future studies should routinely include exposure times and incidence rates by diagnostic type and sex for those who attempt suicide or not.

American tertiary clinic-referred bipolar II disorder compared to bipolar I disorder: More severe in multiple ways, but less severe in a few other ways

BACKGROUND

Prevalence and relative severity of bipolar II disorder (BDII) vs. bipolar I disorder (BDI) are controversial.

METHODS

Prevalence, demographics, and illness characteristics were compared among 260 BDII and 243 BDI outpatients referred to the Stanford University BD Clinic and assessed with the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder Affective Disorders Evaluation.

RESULTS

BDII vs. BDI outpatients had statistically similar prevalence (51.7% vs. 48.3%), and in multiple ways had more severe illness, having significantly more often: lifetime comorbid anxiety (70.8% vs. 58.4%) and personality (15.4% vs. 7.4%) disorders, first-degree relative with mood disorder (62.3% vs. 52.3%), at least 10 prior mood episodes (80.0% vs. 50.9%), current syndromal/subsyndromal depression (52.3% vs. 38.4%), current antidepressant use (47.3% vs. 31.3%), prior year rapid cycling (33.6% vs. 13.4%), childhood onset (26.2% vs. 16.0%), as well as earlier onset age (17.0±8.6 vs. 18.9±8.1 years), longer illness duration (19.0±13.0 vs. 16.1±13.0), and higher current Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Disorder-Overall Severity (4.1±1.4 vs. 3.7±1.5). However, BDII vs. BDI patients significantly less often had prior psychosis (14.2% vs. 64.2%), psychiatric hospitalization (10.0% vs. 67.9%), and current prescription psychotropic use, (81.5% vs. 93.0%), and had a statistically similar rate of prior suicide attempt (29.5% vs. 32.1%).

LIMITATIONS

American tertiary bipolar disorder clinic referral sample, cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are warranted to determine the extent to which BDII, compared to BDI, can be more severe in multiple ways but less severe in a few other ways, and contributors to occurrence of more severe forms of BDII.

A review of factors associated with greater likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in bipolar disorder: Part II of a report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide in Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVES

Many factors influence the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths in persons with bipolar disorder. One key aim of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide was to summarize the available literature on the presence and magnitude of effect of these factors.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies published from 1 January 1980 to 30 May 2014 identified using keywords 'bipolar disorder' and 'suicide attempts or suicide'. This specific paper examined all reports on factors putatively associated with suicide attempts or suicide deaths in bipolar disorder samples. Factors were subcategorized into: (1) sociodemographics, (2) clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder, (3) comorbidities, and (4) other clinical variables.

RESULTS

We identified 141 studies that examined how 20 specific factors influenced the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths. While the level of evidence and degree of confluence varied across factors, there was at least one study that found an effect for each of the following factors: sex, age, race, marital status, religious affiliation, age of illness onset, duration of illness, bipolar disorder subtype, polarity of first episode, polarity of current/recent episode, predominant polarity, mood episode characteristics, psychosis, psychiatric comorbidity, personality characteristics, sexual dysfunction, first-degree family history of suicide or mood disorders, past suicide attempts, early life trauma, and psychosocial precipitants.

CONCLUSION

There is a wealth of data on factors that influence the likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in people with bipolar disorder. Given the heterogeneity of study samples and designs, further research is needed to replicate and determine the magnitude of effect of most of these factors. This approach can ultimately lead to enhanced risk stratification for patients with bipolar disorder.

International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide: meta-analyses and meta-regression of correlates of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Bipolar disorder is associated with a high risk of suicide attempts and suicide death. The main objective of the present study was to identify and quantify the demographic and clinical correlates of attempted and completed suicide in people with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

Within the framework of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide, a systematic review of articles published since 1980, characterized by the key terms bipolar disorder and 'suicide attempts' or 'suicide', was conducted, and data extracted for analysis from all eligible articles. Demographic and clinical variables for which ≥ 3 studies with usable data were available were meta-analyzed using fixed or random-effects models for association with suicide attempts and suicide deaths. There was considerable heterogeneity in the methods employed by the included studies.

RESULTS

Variables significantly associated with suicide attempts were: female gender, younger age at illness onset, depressive polarity of first illness episode, depressive polarity of current or most recent episode, comorbid anxiety disorder, any comorbid substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, any illicit substance use, comorbid cluster B/borderline personality disorder, and first-degree family history of suicide. Suicide deaths were significantly associated with male gender and first-degree family history of suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper reports on the presence and magnitude of the correlates of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in bipolar disorder. These findings do not address causation, and the heterogeneity of data sources should limit the direct clinical ranking of correlates. Our results nonetheless support the notion of incorporating diagnosis-specific data in the development of models of understanding suicide in bipolar disorder.

Progranulin gene variability influences the risk for bipolar I disorder, but not bipolar II disorder

OBJECTIVE

Recent data have shown that genetic variability in the progranulin (GRN) gene may contribute to the susceptibility to developing bipolar disorder (BD). However, in regard to patients with BD, no information is available on the role of genetic variability and plasma progranulin levels in different types of this disorder.

METHODS

In this study, we performed an association analysis of GRN in an Italian population consisting of 134 patients with BD and 232 controls to evaluate progranulin plasma levels.

RESULTS

The presence of the polymorphic variant of the rs5848 single nucleotide polymorphism is protective for the development of bipolar I disorder (BD-I) (odds ratio = 0.55, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.93; p = 0.024) but not bipolar II disorder (BD-II) (p > 0.05). In addition, plasma progranulin levels are significantly decreased in BD [mean ± standard deviation (SD) 112 ± 35 versus 183 ± 93 ng/mL in controls; p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the influence of GRN variability on BD susceptibility, the predisposing genetic background differs between BD-I and BD-II, possibly implying that pathogenic mechanisms differ between the two subtypes of BD.

Cannabis use and first manic episode

BACKGROUND

Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug among patients with bipolar disorder. Available data has shown that the risk of psychotic disorders increases with the frequency and intensity of cannabis abuse. The present purpose was to review relevant studies to investigate whether cannabis use can be linked to the onset of mania in bipolar disorder.

METHODS

Articles published between 1972 and December 2013 were searched on Medline and PsychInfo using the following keywords: first manic episode, or onset mania, or bipolar disorder and cannabis. Relevant papers cited in the references of selected articles were further considered for inclusion into the review.

RESULTS

Lifetime use of cannabis among bipolar patients appears to be around 70% and approximately 30% of patients with a bipolar disorder present a comorbidity of cannabis abuse or dependence. Cannabis use is associated with younger age at onset of first mania and with more frequent depressive or manic episodes, although the evidence is somewhat inconsistent. Likewise cannabis consumption is related to poorer outcome and an increased risk of rapid cycling or mixed episodes. In contrast, neuro-cognitive functioning seems to be positively affected in patients with psychiatric comorbidity. While cannabis use often precedes first manic episodes, the causal direction remains to be determined.

LIMITATIONS

Variations in definition of cannabis use/dependence. Lack of controlled studies limiting definite conclusions about a putative causal relationship between cannabis and onset of mania.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigations are needed to clarify the relationships between cannabis use and first manic episode.

Suicide risk in major affective disorder: results from a national survey in China

BACKGROUND

This study investigated suicide risk and its correlates among major affective disorder patients in China and examined possible risk factors for future suicide among individuals with major affective disorder to inform appropriate interventions and management approaches to minimize and prevent suicide.

METHODS

A total of 1478 major affective disorder patients were consecutively examined in 13 mental health centers in China. The patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. DSM-IV diagnoses were established using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and suicide risk was assessed by the suicide risk module of the MINI.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 963 (65.2%) were in the nonsuicidal risk group and 515 (34.8%) were in the suicidal risk group. Compared to major depressive disorder patients, bipolar disorder patients had higher suicide risk levels (χ2=10.0, df=1, P=0.002); however, there were no statistically significant differences (χ2=2.6, df=1, P=0.1) between bipolar disorder-I and bipolar disorder-II patients. Suicide risk factors were associated with 6 variables in major affective disorder patients, as follows: male gender, unemployed, more frequent depressive episodes (>4 in the past year), depressive episodes with suicidal ideation and attempts, depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms, and no current antidepressant use.

LIMITATIONS

Most of the data were retrospectively collected and, therefore, subject to recall bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that bipolar disorder patients have a higher suicide risk than major depressive disorder patients. The factors that were significantly associated with suicide risk may aid in identifying major affective disorder patients who are at risk for future suicidal behavior.

Bipolar disorder and co-occurring cannabis use disorders: characteristics, co-morbidities and clinical correlates

This study examines rates of co-morbid mental disorders and indicators of the course of illness among individuals with bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorders (CUD). Data were drawn from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC Wave 1, 2001-2002), a nationally representative sample of adults living in the United States. Among individuals with lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder (N=1905) rates of CUD in the past 12 months were 7.2%, compared to 1.2% in the general population. Logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic variables indicated that individuals with bipolar disorder and co-occurring CUD were at increased risk for nicotine dependence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=3.8), alcohol (AOR=6.6) and drug (AOR=11.9) use disorders, as well as antisocial personality disorder (AOR=2.8) compared to those without CUD. Among individuals with co-occurring CUD, age of onset of bipolar disorder was significantly lower and median number of manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes per year was significantly greater compared to individuals without CUD. Co-occurring CUD is associated with significant co-morbidities and a more severe course of illness among individuals with bipolar disorder. Comprehensive evaluation of patients with bipolar disorder should include a systematic assessment of CUD.