The significance of at-risk or prodromal symptoms for bipolar I disorder in children and adolescents

Hypomania-Checklist-33: risk stratification and factor structure in a mixed psychiatric adolescent sample

BACKGROUND

The 33-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) has been shown to distinguish between adolescent bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depression. To investigate the utility of the HCL-33 as a screening tool in routine diagnostics, the frequency and psychopathological characteristics of detected individuals in a mixed psychiatric sample necessitate more examination.

METHODS

The HCL-33, Children's Depression Inventory, Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were completed by 285 children and adolescents (12-18 years) in a mixed psychiatric sample. Applying the proposed HCL-33 cut-off score of ≥ 18, individuals with depressive symptoms were divided into at-risk or not at-risk for BD groups. The factorial structure, sum and factor score correlations with psychopathology, and impact on daily functioning were assessed.

RESULTS

20.6% of the sample met at-risk criteria for BD. These individuals (n = 55) were older, more anxious, and showed more conduct problems vs the not at-risk group (n = 107). A two- and a three-factor model were pursued with the same Factor 1 ("active-elated"). Factor 2 ("risk-taking/irritable") was separated into 2a ("irritable-erratic") and 2b ("outgoing-disinhibited") in the three-factor model. Whereas higher Factor 2 and 2a scores correlated with a broad range of more severe symptomatology (i.e., depression, anxiety, hyperactivity), higher Factor 1 and 2b scores correlated with more emotional and conduct problems, respectively. 51.7% of the sample reported a negative impact from hypomanic symptoms on daily functioning.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional design and data collection in a single mental health service.

CONCLUSIONS

The HCL-33 may be a useful tool to improve diagnostics, especially in adolescents with depressive symptoms additionally presenting with anxious symptoms and conduct problems.

Young people at risk for developing bipolar disorder: Two-year findings from the multicenter prospective, naturalistic Early-BipoLife study

Early identification and intervention of individuals with an increased risk for bipolar disorder (BD) may improve the course of illness and prevent long‑term consequences. Early-BipoLife, a multicenter, prospective, naturalistic study, examined risk factors of BD beyond family history in participants aged 15-35 years. At baseline, positively screened help-seeking participants (screenBD at-risk) were recruited at Early Detection Centers and in- and outpatient depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) settings, references (Ref) drawn from a representative cohort. Participants reported sociodemographics and medical history and were repeatedly examined regarding psychopathology and the course of risk factors. N = 1,083 screenBD at-risk and n = 172 Ref were eligible for baseline assessment. Within the first two years, n = 31 screenBD at-risk (2.9 %) and none of Ref developed a manifest BD. The cumulative transition risk was 0.0028 at the end of multistep assessment, 0.0169 at 12 and 0.0317 at 24 months (p = 0.021). The transition rate with a BD family history was 6.0 %, 4.7 % in the Early Phase Inventory for bipolar disorders (EPIbipolar), 6.6 % in the Bipolar Prodrome Interview and Symptom Scale-Prospective (BPSS-FP) and 3.2 % with extended Bipolar At-Risk - BARS criteria). In comparison to help-seeking young patients from psychosis detection services, transition rates in screenBD at-risk participants were lower. The findings of Early-BipoLife underscore the importance of considering risk factors beyond family history in order to improved early detection and interventions to prevent/ameliorate related impairment in the course of BD. Large long-term cohort studies are crucial to understand the developmental pathways and long-term course of BD, especially in people at- risk.

Predicting bipolar disorder I/II in individuals at clinical high-risk: Results from a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

No systematic review has estimated the consistency and the magnitude of the risk of developing bipolar disorder I-II (BD-I/II) in individuals at clinical high risk for bipolar disorder (CHR-BD).

METHODS

PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched until April 2022 in this pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42022346515) PRISMA-compliant systematic review to identify longitudinal studies in individuals meeting pre-defined CHR-BD criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and results were systematically synthesized around CHR-BD criteria across follow-up periods and different subgroups.

RESULTS

Altogether, 13 studies were included reporting on nine prospective independent cohorts (n = 678 individuals at CHR-BD). The mean age of participants was 15.7 years (range 10.1-22.6 years), and 54.2 % were females. The most common CHR-BD subgroup was subthreshold mania (55.5 %), followed by BD-Not Otherwise Specified (BD-NOS: 33.3 %). Development of BD I/II ranged from 7.1 % to 23.4 % after 2 years. Development of BD-I ranged from 3.4 % at 4 years to 23 % at 8 years. Development of BD-II ranged from 10 % at 2 years to 63.8 % at 4 years. The risk of developing BD-I appeared highest in those meeting BD-NOS criteria (23 % at eight years). Predictors of development of BD were identified but remained mostly unreplicated. The quality of the included studies was moderate (NOS = 5.2 ± 1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging data from research studies point towards the promising utility of CHR-BD criteria. These studies may pave the way to the next generation of research, implementing detection, prognostication, and preventive interventions in individuals at CHR-BD identified and followed in clinical practice.

Validation of the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Abbreviated Prospective (BPSS-AP) in a clinical sample and healthy controls

BACKGROUND

After the existence of a bipolar disorder (BD) prodrome was established, the development of clinical rating instruments has become relevant that are sufficiently brief to be implemented in real-world clinical practice and that are designed to identify individuals at-risk for BD. This study aimed to validate a shorter version of the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale (BPSS), the BPSS-Abbreviated Prospective (BPSS-AP), for use among clinical populations.

METHODS

Altogether, 104 adults, comprising individuals diagnosed with BD (n = 17, mania: n = 8, hypomania: n = 9), with major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 38, all currently depressed), and healthy controls (HCs, n = 49), underwent BPSS-AP interviews. The psychometric properties of the BPSS-AP were evaluated, including internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and factor structure.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) age was 29 (23-38), 40 (23-55), and 25 (22-28) years, for the BD, MDD, and HC groups, respectively. The BPSS-AP showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95). Convergent validity between the BPSS-AP and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) was high (r > 0.7). The BPSS-AP discriminated patients with BD from those with MDD (P < .001) and from HCs (P < .001).

LIMITATIONS

The study design precludes assessment of the predictive validity of the BPSS-AP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the BPSS-AP, a more concise and feasible version of the semi-structured interview for identifying individuals at risk of developing BD, has satisfactory psychometric properties. There is room for further validation and application of the BPSS-AP in clinical settings to evaluate its utility in research and clinical care.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of global and social functioning among people at risk of bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Functional status could predict development of bipolar disorder (BD) or have clinical significance. The relationship between BD risk and functioning is poorly understood. We undertook a systematic review examining the global and social functioning of those at risk for BD.

METHODS

We examined observational studies comparing a risk sample with healthy controls or full-threshold BD participants, using measures of global or social functioning. Risk status included family history of BD, meeting risk criteria, or having prodromal symptomatology, or premorbid functioning of persons with BD. Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess quality. Meta-analyses were performed where possible.

RESULTS

7215 studies were screened and 40 studies were included (8474 participants). Risk samples had poorer functioning than controls, and superior functioning to participants with BD. Meta-analysis indicated poorer global functioning among persons with familial risk compared to healthy controls (mean global functional difference: 5.92; 95 % confidence interval: 7.90, 3.95; mean premorbid functioning difference: 2.31; 95 % confidence interval: 0.70, 3.92). Studies with higher proportions of female participants had slightly poorer global functioning. High heterogeneity was attributable functional measures and potentially functionally differential subgroups within the risk samples.

LIMITATIONS

Broader measures of functioning, such as neurocognition and behavioural measures, were excluded. Measures of global functioning are limited by conflating functioning and symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Functioning in the BD risk populations is intermediate to that of healthy controls and persons with BD, indicating their value in definitions of BD risk, in itself a likely heterogeneous state.

Clinical staging and the differential risks for clinical and functional outcomes in young people presenting for youth mental health care

BACKGROUND

Clinical staging proposes that youth-onset mental disorders develop progressively, and that active treatment of earlier stages should prevent progression to more severe disorders. This retrospective cohort study examined the longitudinal relationships between clinical stages and multiple clinical and functional outcomes within the first 12 months of care.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical information of 2901 young people who accessed mental health care at age 12-25 years was collected at predetermined timepoints (baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months). Initial clinical stage was used to define three fixed groups for analyses (stage 1a: 'non-specific anxious or depressive symptoms', 1b: 'attenuated mood or psychotic syndromes', 2+: 'full-threshold mood or psychotic syndromes'). Logistic regression models, which controlled for age and follow-up time, were used to compare clinical and functional outcomes (role and social function, suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance misuse, physical health comorbidity, circadian disturbances) between staging groups within the initial 12 months of care.

RESULTS

Of the entire cohort, 2093 young people aged 12-25 years were followed up at least once over the first 12 months of care, with 60.4% female and a baseline mean age of 18.16 years. Longitudinally, young people at stage 2+ were more likely to develop circadian disturbances (odds ratio [OR]=2.58; CI 1.60-4.17), compared with individuals at stage 1b. Additionally, stage 1b individuals were more likely to become disengaged from education/employment (OR=2.11, CI 1.36-3.28), develop suicidal ideations (OR=1.92; CI 1.30-2.84) and circadian disturbances (OR=1.94, CI 1.31-2.86), compared to stage 1a. By contrast, we found no relationship between clinical stage and the emergence of alcohol or substance misuse and physical comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential rates of emergence of poor clinical and functional outcomes between early versus late clinical stages support the clinical staging model's assumptions about illness trajectories for mood and psychotic syndromes. The greater risk of progression to poor outcomes in those who present with more severe syndromes may be used to guide specific intervention packages.

The clinical characterization of the adult patient with bipolar disorder aimed at personalization of management

Bipolar disorder is heterogeneous in phenomenology, illness trajectory, and response to treatment. Despite evidence for the efficacy of multimodal-ity interventions, the majority of persons affected by this disorder do not achieve and sustain full syndromal recovery. It is eagerly anticipated that combining datasets across various information sources (e.g., hierarchical "multi-omic" measures, electronic health records), analyzed using advanced computational methods (e.g., machine learning), will inform future diagnosis and treatment selection. In the interim, identifying clinically meaningful subgroups of persons with the disorder having differential response to specific treatments at point-of-care is an empirical priority. This paper endeavours to synthesize salient domains in the clinical characterization of the adult patient with bipolar disorder, with the overarching aim to improve health outcomes by informing patient management and treatment considerations. Extant data indicate that characterizing select domains in bipolar disorder provides actionable information and guides shared decision making. For example, it is robustly established that the presence of mixed features - especially during depressive episodes - and of physical and psychiatric comorbidities informs illness trajectory, response to treatment, and suicide risk. In addition, early environmental exposures (e.g., sexual and physical abuse, emotional neglect) are highly associated with more complicated illness presentations, inviting the need for developmentally-oriented and integrated treatment approaches. There have been significant advances in validating subtypes of bipolar disorder (e.g., bipolar I vs. II disorder), particularly in regard to pharmacological interventions. As with other severe mental disorders, social functioning, interpersonal/family relationships and internalized stigma are domains highly relevant to relapse risk, health outcomes, and quality of life. The elevated standardized mortality ratio for completed suicide and suicidal behaviour in bipolar disorder invites the need for characterization of this domain in all patients. The framework of this paper is to describe all the above salient domains, providing a synthesis of extant literature and recommendations for decision support tools and clinical metrics that can be implemented at point-of-care.

Potential for prediction of psychosis and bipolar disorder in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: a longitudinal register study of all people born in Finland in 1987

Current strategies to predict psychosis identify only a small proportion of individuals at risk. Additional strategies are needed to increase capacity for pre-diction and prevention of serious mental illness, ideally during childhood and adolescence. One possible approach would be to investigate systems in which psychosis risk factors are concentrated during childhood. One notable such system is represented by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Although psychotic disorders are uncommon in CAMHS, many risk factors for psychosis are highly prevalent in young people who enter this system. We hypothesized, therefore, that youth attending CAMHS would be a high-risk group for psychosis if followed into adulthood and, furthermore, that CAMHS systems would capture a substantial proportion of future psychosis cases. We constructed a total population cohort study of all Finns born in 1987 (N=55,875), linking together extensive register data on health care contacts from birth through age 28 years. We identified all individuals diagnosed with a psychotic or bipolar disorder by age 28 (N=1,785). The risk of psychosis/bipolar disorder by age 28 years was 1.8% for individuals who had not attended CAMHS during childhood or adolescence, whereas it was 12.8% for those with a history of any outpatient CAMHS contact (odds ratio, OR=7.9, 95% CI: 7.2-8.7). Furthermore, the risk of psychosis/bipolar disorder by age 28 years was 2.3% for individuals without a history of inpatient CAMHS admission, whereas it was 24.0% for those with a history of inpatient CAMHS admission (OR=13.3, 95% CI: 11.9-14.9), and 36.5% for those with a history of inpatient CAMHS admission in adolescence (age 13-17 years) (OR=24.2, 95% CI: 21.2-27.6). Individuals who attended CAMHS but received no mental disorder diagnosis had an equally high risk of subsequently developing a psychosis/bipolar disorder as individuals who did receive a diagnosis (OR=0.9, 99.5% CI: 0.7-1.1). Compared to other CAMHS attendees, individuals who developed psychosis or bipolar disorder were more likely to have had an initial CAMHS diagnosis of depressive or other mood disorder (OR=2.3, 99.5% CI: 1.6-3.0) and disruptive behaviour disorder (OR=1.7, 99.5% CI: 1.2-2.5). Of all psychosis/bipolar diagnoses by age 28 years, 50.2% occurred in individuals who had, at some point in childhood or adolescence, attended CAMHS, indicating that CAMHS represent not only a high-risk but also a high-capacity system for prediction of psychosis/bipolar disorder. These findings suggest an enormous, untapped potential for large-scale psychosis/bipolar disorder prediction and prevention research within existing specialist CAMHS.

A cohort study of adolescents with depression in China: tracking multidimensional outcomes and early biomarkers for intervention

Background

Depression in adolescents is recognised as a global public health concern, but little is known about the trajectory of its clinical symptoms and pathogenesis. Understanding the nature of adolescents with depression and identifying early biomarkers can facilitate personalised intervention and reduce disease burden.

Aims

To track multidimensional outcomes of adolescents with depression and develop objective biomarkers for diagnosis, as well as response to treatment, prognosis and guidance for early identification and intervention.

Methods

This is a multidimensional cohort study on the Symptomatic trajectory and Biomarkers of Early Adolescent Depression (sBEAD). We planned to recruit more than 1000 adolescents with depression and 300 healthy controls within 5 years. Multidimensional clinical presentations and objective indicators are collected at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12 and 24, and years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal cohort study that examines multidimensional clinical manifestations and multilevel objective markers in Chinese adolescents with depression. This study aims at providing early individualised interventions for young, depressed patients to reduce the burden of disease.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID ChiCTR2100049066.

Reliability and Validity of the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Full Prospective in Its Turkish Translation

Editors' Note: The Editors would like to address issues related to the acceptance of this manuscript. The original manuscript referenced the study tool as the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview Scale-Prospective (BPSS-P). After the manuscript's initial acceptance, the authors requested a revision of the tool name to Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview Scale-Full Perspective (BPSS-FP). When this request was made, the original acceptance was rescinded, and the authors were asked to formally revise and resubmit the manuscript with an explanation for the change. This revision and subsequent review led to the final acceptance of the manuscript. The authors have assured us that the tool used in the manuscript was the BPSS-FP (version 5) as opposed to abbreviated forms of this tool that are also used in research (e.g., Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Abbreviated Screen for Patients (BPSS-AS-P). Background: No scale exists to assess patients at-risk for bipolar disorder (BD) in Turkey. We aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Full Prospective (BPSS-FP). Method: Psychiatric service users aged 11-18 years old were interviewed using the BPSS-FP translated into Turkish and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Youth with major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 63), bipolar-spectrum disorder (n = 47), and healthy controls (n = 122) were included. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) were administered to test convergent/discriminant validity. Discriminant validity was further tested using one-way ANOVA and "receiver operating characteristic" (ROC) curves. Inter-rater reliability was tested using correlation coefficients. Findings: Across 232 youth, Cronbach's alpha values were 0.932 for the BPSS-FP total score, 0.878 for the Mania Symptom Index, 0.887 for the Depression Symptom Index, and 0.797 for the General Symptom Index. Correlation coefficients for inter-rater reliability were high for the Mania Symptom Index (r = 0.989), Depression Symptom Index (r = 0.973), and General Symptom Index (r = 0.981). There were high correlations between the BPSS-FP Mania Symptom Index subscore and YMRS (r = 0.732), and the BPSS-FP Depression Symptom Index subscore and CDRS-R (r = 0.754), whereas cross-polarity correlations were non-significant. ROC analysis cut-off value was ≥21 for the BPSS-FP Mania Symptom Index between patients with BD and MDD (specificity = 85.7%, sensitivity = 78.7%). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the BPSS-FP has good psychometric properties and can be used in research. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the predictive value of the BPSS-FP.

The mood disorder spectrum vs. schizophrenia decision tree: EDIPHAS research into the childhood and adolescence of 205 patients

BACKGROUND

The early detection of patients at risk of developing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and more broadly mood spectrum disorder, is a public health concern. The phenotypical overlap between the prodromes in these disorders calls for a simultaneous investigation into both illness trajectories.

METHOD

This is an epidemiological, retrospective, multicentre, descriptive study conducted in the Grand-Est region of France in order to describe and compare early symptoms in 205 patients: 123 of which were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 82 with bipolar disorder or mood spectrum disorder. Data corresponding to the pre-morbid and prodromal phases, including a timeline of their onset, were studied in child and adolescent psychiatric records via a data grid based on the literature review conducted from birth to 17 years of age.

RESULTS

Two distinct trajectories were highlighted. Patients with schizophrenia tended to present more difficulties at each developmental stage, with the emergence of negative and positive behavioural symptoms during adolescence. Patients with mood spectrum disorder, however, were more likely to exhibit anxiety and then mood-related symptoms. Overall, our results corroborate current literature findings and are consistent with the neurodevelopmental process. We succeeded in extracting a decision tree with good predictability based on variables relating to one diagnosis: 77.6% of patients received a well-indexed diagnosis. An atypical profile was observed in future mood spectrum disorder patients as some exhibited numerous positive symptoms alongside more conventional mood-related symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The combination of all these data could help promote the early identification of high-risk patients thereby facilitating early prevention and appropriate intervention in order to improve outcomes.

Early detection of bipolar disorders and treatment recommendations for help-seeking adolescents and young adults: Findings of the Early Detection and Intervention Center Dresden

Background

Early identification and intervention of individuals with risk factors for or subtle prodromal symptoms of bipolar disorders (BD) may improve the illness course and prevent adverse long-term consequences.

Methods

We examined sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological characteristics of help-seeking adolescents and young adults who consulted the Early Detection and Intervention Center Dresden at the University of Dresden (Germany) and presented with or without pre-defined at-risk criteria for BD. The standardized diagnostic procedure for all help-seeking youth included a comprehensive psychiatric history and a structured clinical interview. When BD at-risk state was suspected, early detection instruments (EPIbipolar, BPSS-FP) were applied. Treatment recommendations were formulated in multi-professional case conferences.

Results

Out of 890 help-seeking persons between 05/2009 and 04/2018, 582 (65%) completed the diagnostic process. Of these, 24 (4%) had manifest BD and 125 (21%) fulfilled at-risk BD criteria (age = 23.9 ± 0.6 years, female = 62%). Of the pre-defined main risk factors, family history for BD was reported in 22% of the at-risk persons, (hypo-)mania risk state in 44%, and increasing cyclothymic mood swings with increased activity in 48%. The most common secondary risk factors were decreased psychosocial functioning (78%), lifetime diagnosis of depressive disorder (67%) and specific sleep/circadian rhythm disturbances (59%). Substance use was very common in subjects at-risk for BD (cannabis = 50%, alcohol = 33%) and highest in patients with BD (cannabis = 75%, alcohol = 40%). Psychiatric treatment history, including psychopharmacological therapy, was similar between the groups, while treatment recommendations differed, with more advice for psychotherapy and antidepressants in the at-risk group with a lifetime diagnosis of depression and more advice for specialized BD treatment including mood stabilizers in patients with BD.

Conclusion

This analysis on the phenomenology of different BD at-risk stages suggests that early detection of individuals presenting with suggested risk factors for the development of BD is feasible in help-seeking young people. Future research should further develop/test stage-specific prevention and early targeted intervention approaches that were described in a naturalistic setting.

Irritability and mood symptoms in adolescent girls: Trait anxiety and emotion dysregulation as mediators

BACKGROUND

Irritability is a common symptom in youth that is thought to be predictive of mood disorders. Its effects on mood are likely to be age-dependent, with direct and indirect mediators. We assessed age-related effects and mediators of irritability in adolescent girls with subthreshold depressive and manic symptoms.

METHODS

We analysed the irritability item from the Mood Disorder Questionnaire in 3 cohorts of girls aged 12-18years (N=229); 12-13years (N=82); 14-15years (N=68); and 16-18years (N=79). They also completed mood, anxiety and emotion regulation questionnaires. MANOVA, correlations and bootstrapped mediation analyses were performed with SPSS®v25 and Hayes Processv3.5®.

RESULTS

Overall, irritable girls had higher depressive and manic symptoms, trait anxiety and emotion dysregulation than those who were not irritable. Significantly higher rates of irritability were observed in mid-adolescents (aged 14-15years; p = 0.001). Notably, irritability exerted effects on depressive symptoms via trait anxiety, non-acceptance of emotions and dysregulation in emotion clarity throughout adolescence. However, irritability directly exerted effects on manic symptoms in mid-adolescence but in older adolescents, their relationship was indirect via impulse control dysregulation.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design and non-clinical sample limit generalisability of our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Irritability is involved in subthreshold depressive symptoms, via trait anxiety and perceptual emotion dysregulation. On the other hand, irritability is directly and indirectly associated with subthreshold manic symptoms via dysregulated impulse control depending on age. Therefore, screening for irritability, trait anxiety and emotion dysregulation throughout adolescence may facilitate the early detection of subthreshold depressive and manic symptoms, and the implementation of preventive strategies.

Psychiatric and psychological features of children at high-risk for bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Psychological/psychiatric features of high risk children (HR) for bipolar disorder are majorly overlooked. We aimed to compare psychological profiles (eg. anger level/ management, attachment/stress-coping mechanisms and emotional regulation difficulties) of HR with healthy controls.

METHOD

Total of 60 children in HR and 55 children in control group were evaluated using Trait Anger Scale (TAS), Anger Expression Scale (AES), Inventory of Parent/Peer Attachment (IPPA), Coping Style Scale (CSS) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).

RESULTS

AXE/In and AXE/Con subscales of AES, "trust" and "communication" facets of IPPA-Peer and "communication" facet of IPPA-Parent were significantly lower in HR. They scored higher in "helpless" and lower in "submissive" and "optimistic" subscales of CSS. HR scored higher only in "lack of emotional awareness" facet of DERS.

LIMITATIONS

Self-reported scales which we used, may be susceptible to subjective personal characteristics. Also cross-sectional design of our study may have captured only a fraction of rapidly changing developmental processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower AXE/In and AXE/Con scores of HR are similar to Type-A Behavior Pattern which is includes agressiveness and impulsiveness. Higher "helpless", and lower "submissive" and "optimistic" scores may reflect emotionally disregulated coping mechanisms which may lead to the risk of developing future depressive episodes. Lower "communication" in IPPA may show a disturbance in executive function of language. Lack of emotional awareness can be examined in line with alexithymia; but further studies are needed to explain these aspects.

Expanding the search for emerging mental ill health to safeguard student potential and vocational success in high school: A narrative review

AIM

Young people experiencing mental ill health are more likely than their healthy aged peers to drop out of high school. This can result in social exclusion and vocational derailment. Identifying young people at risk and taking action before an illness is established or school dropout occurs is an important goal. This study aimed to examine evidence for the risk markers and at risk mental states of the clinical staging model (stage 0-1b) and whether these risk states and early symptoms impact school participation and academic attainment.

METHOD

This narrative review assembles research from both the psychiatry and education literature. It examines stage 0 to stage 1b of the clinical staging model and links the risk states and early symptoms to evidence about the academic success of young people in high school.

RESULTS

In accordance with the clinical staging model and evidence from education literature, childhood trauma and parental mental illness can impact school engagement and academic progress. Sleep disturbance can result in academic failure. Undifferentiated depression and anxiety can increase the risk for school dropout. Subthreshold psychosis and hypomanic states are associated with functional impairment and high rates of Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) but are not recognized in the education literature.

CONCLUSION

Risk markers for emerging mental ill health can be identified in education research and demonstrate an impact on a student's success in high school. Clear referral protocols need to be embedded into school life to reduce risk of progression to later stages of illness and support school participation and success.

Prevalence and correlates of bipolar spectrum disorders in Singapore: Results from the 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016)

BACKGROUND

Prevalence estimates of Bipolar Spectrum Disorders (BSD) remain scant in Southeast Asia. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of BSD, its correlates with sociodemographic factors, and the associations between the BSD subgroups and clinical severity, impairment, and disability in Singapore.

METHODS

This study utilizes data gathered from the second Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS)- a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted between 2016 and 2018 (response rate: 69.5%). Respondents were randomly selected and administered, in a single visit, interviewer-led surveys of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) in their preferred language (i.e. Chinese, Malay, Tamil, or English). A total of 6126 residents completed the study.

RESULTS

The lifetime weighted prevalence of BSD, Bipolar I, II, and subthreshold bipolar disorder was 3.1%, 1.5%, 0.03%, and 1.6% respectively. A higher prevalence of Bipolar Disorders (BPD) was significantly associated with younger age, being divorced or separated, and being unemployed. Lifetime comorbidity of BSD with at least one other psychiatric or physical condition was 45% and 51% respectively. BSD was most comorbid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (psychiatric condition) and Chronic pain (physical condition).

LIMITATIONS

This study relies on self-report data which may be subject to unintended response biases leading to the under or over-reporting of results.

DISCUSSION

In addition to the high prevalence of BPD, there is also a concerning shift and increase in the proportion of those who experience severe symptoms of mania/hypomania and depression. Subthreshold bipolar disorder is found to be clinically significant and cross-culturally valid in a multi-cultural setting.

[Diagnostics and early recognition of bipolar disorders]

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a relevant psychiatric disorder, which requires early identification and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

What are the guideline-concordant diagnostic and early recognition procedures regarding BD?

RESULTS

The current German S3 guidelines on BD are based on the ICD-10. The multiaxial and dimensional description should include disorder-relevant somatic, psychological and social factors as well as the level of functional impairment. A BD can be diagnosed when at least two affective episodes have occurred, of which at least one must have been hypomanic, manic or mixed. In people considered at increased risk for BD, (subsyndromal) symptoms should be identified via the patient history and screening tools, e.g. the hypomania checklist 32 (HCL-32) and the mood disorder questionnaire (MDQ). The differential diagnosis of BD should exclude unipolar depression, dysthymia, cyclothymia, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders and substance-induced or organically related BD. The risk of comorbid psychiatric disorders is increased 8-13-fold in BD. The most common somatic disorders include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and migraine. Observation of the course by the clinician and the patient (e.g. mood charting) as well as examinations before and during pharmacological treatment should be part of the treatment plan. Early recognition of BD during a so-called prodromal stage is currently not reliably possible. In the case of a clinical suspicion, e.g. due to subsyndromal (hypo)manic symptoms, comorbid conditions should be addressed and symptom-based psychotherapeutic interventions should be considered.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of BD, which enables adequate and timely treatment, can improve outcomes.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics, Including Subsyndromal Symptoms Across Bipolar-Spectrum Disorders in Adolescents

Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating illness that often starts at an early age. Prevention of first and subsequent mood episodes, which are usually preceded by a period characterized by subthreshold symptoms is important. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics including severity and duration of subsyndromal symptoms across adolescents with three different bipolar-spectrum disorders. Methods: Syndromal and subsyndromal psychopathology were assessed in adolescent inpatients (age = 12-18 years) with a clinical mood disorder diagnosis. Assessments included the validated Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Prospective (BPSS-P). We compared phenomenology across patients with a research consensus conference-confirmed DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) diagnoses of BD-I, BD-not otherwise specified (NOS), or mood disorder (MD) NOS. Results: Seventy-six adolescents (age = 15.6 ± 1.4 years, females = 59.2%) were included (BD-I = 24; BD-NOS = 29; MD-NOS = 23) in this study. Median baseline global assessment of functioning scale score was 21 (interquartile range = 17-40; between-group p = 0.31). Comorbidity was frequent, and similar across groups, including disruptive behavior disorders (55.5%, p = 0.27), anxiety disorders (40.8%, p = 0.98), and personality disorder traits (25.0%, p = 0.21). Mania symptoms (most frequent: irritability = 93.4%, p = 0.82) and depressive symptoms (most frequent: depressed mood = 81.6%, p = 0.14) were common in all three BD-spectrum groups. Manic and depressive symptoms were more severe in both BD-I and BD-NOS versus MD-NOS (p < 0.0001). Median duration of subthreshold manic symptoms was shorter in MD-NOS versus BD-NOS (11.7 vs. 20.4 weeks, p = 0.002) and substantial in both groups. The most used psychotropics upon discharge were antipsychotics (65.8%; BD-I = 79.2%; BD-NOS = 62.1%; MD-NOS = 56.5%, p = 0.227), followed by mood stabilizers (43.4%; BD-I = 66.7%; BD-NOS = 31.0%; MD-NOS = 34.8%, p = 0.02) and antidepressants (19.7%; BD-I = 20.8%; BD-NOS = 10.3%; MD-NOS = 30.4%). Conclusions: Youth with BD-I, BD-NOS, and MD-NOS experience considerable symptomatology and are functionally impaired, with few differences observed in psychiatric comorbidity and clinical severity. Moreover, youth with BD-NOS and MD-NOS undergo a period with subthreshold manic symptoms, enabling identification and, possibly, preventive intervention of those at risk for developing BD or other affective episodes requiring hospitalization.

Cohort profile: the Brain and Mind Centre Optymise cohort: tracking multidimensional outcomes in young people presenting for mental healthcare

PURPOSE

The Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) Optymise cohort assesses multiple clinical and functional domains longitudinally in young people presenting for mental health care and treatment. Longitudinal tracking of this cohort will allow investigation of the relationships between multiple outcome domains across the course of care. Subsets of Optymise have completed detailed neuropsychological and neurobiological assessments, permitting investigation of associations between these measures and longitudinal course.

PARTICIPANTS

Young people (aged 12-30) presenting to clinics coordinated by the BMC were recruited to a research register (n=6743) progressively between June 2008 and July 2018. To date, 2767 individuals have been included in Optymise based on the availability of at least one detailed clinical assessment.

MEASURES

Trained researchers use a clinical research proforma to extract key data from clinical files to detail social and occupational functioning, clinical presentation, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, alcohol and other substance use, physical health comorbidities, personal and family history of mental illness, and treatment utilisation at the following time points: baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, and time last seen.

FINDINGS TO DATE

There is moderate to substantial agreement between raters for data collected via the proforma. While wide variations in individual illness course are clear, social and occupational outcomes suggest that the majority of cohort members show no improvement in functioning over time. Differential rates of longitudinal transition are reported between early and late stages of illness, with a number of baseline factors associated with these transitions. Furthermore, there are longitudinal associations between prior suicide attempts and inferior clinical and functional outcomes.

FUTURE PLANS

Future reports will detail the longitudinal course of each outcome domain and examine multidirectional relationships between these domains both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and explore in subsets the associations between detailed neurobiological measures and clinical, social and functional outcomes.

Mixed States in Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a severe and chronic illness. The occurrence of mixed symptoms might add further risk of recurrence of treatment resistance and suicidality. Early recognition and treatment of mixed symptoms might prevent illness progression and development of suicide attempts. This article provides an update on the epidemiology, clinical profile, and treatment of youth with PBD with mixed states. Mixed states in PBD are characterized by higher rates of suicide and more chronic symptoms, and are associated with younger age of onset and greater comorbidity. A careful assessment for mixed states using standardized criteria is essential.

An International Society of Bipolar Disorders task force report: Precursors and prodromes of bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the clinical features preceding the onset of bipolar disorder (BD) has become a public health priority for the prevention of high morbidity and mortality. BD remains frequently under- or misdiagnosed, and under- or mistreated, often for years.

METHODS

We assessed the predictive value of precursors and prodromes of BD. We assessed precursors of first-lifetime manic or hypomanic episodes with/without mixed features in retrospective and prospective studies. The task force evaluated and summarized separately assessments of familial risk, premorbid personality traits, retrospective, and prospective studies.

RESULTS

Cyclothymic features, a family history of BD, retrospectively reported attenuated manic symptoms, prospectively identified subthreshold symptoms of hypomania, recurrence of depression, panic anxiety and psychotic features, have been identified as clinical precursors of BD. The prodromal symptoms like [hypo]mania often appears to be long enough to encourage early identification and timely intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive value of any risk factor identified remains largely unknown. Prospective controlled studies are urgently needed for prevention and effective treatment.

Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Onset, Risk Factors, and Protective Factors

The current article discusses the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children throughout the years as it has evolved, focusing on very early-onset and early-onset bipolar disorder. Proper care of children with bipolar disorder requires a thorough understanding of the subtleties in symptoms at different developmental ages, as well as a shift in diagnostic thinking, which grew to include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). DMDD was added to address potential overdiagnosis of an already unusual diagnosis in young children. Critical discussion of risk factors, protective factors, and lack of data to support protective factors in the literature follows. Implications for advanced practice RNs are included, as these children transition from pediatric practice to adult practice. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(9), 32-37.].

Sleep alterations in pediatric bipolar disorder versus attention deficit disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share numerous clinical features, which can make the differential diagnosis challenging. Studies conducted in adults suggest that patients with BD and ADHD have different sleep patterns. However, in pediatric populations, data on these potential differences are scant. The present preliminary study was conducted to identify potential differences in sleep alterations among youths diagnosed with BD or ADHD compared to healthy controls (HC). A total of 26 patients diagnosed with BD (n = 13) or ADHD (n = 13) were compared to 26 sex- and age-matched HC ([HC_BD], n = 13, and [HC_ADHD], n = 13). All participants underwent polysomnography. The mean duration of stage N2 sleep was shorter in the BD group than in controls (HC_BD). The BD group also had higher (non-significant) REM density (REMd) scores than controls while mean REMd scores were lower in the ADHD group versus controls. Compared to the ADHD group, the BD group presented a shorter N2 stage, a longer first REM sleep duration (R1), and greater REMd. According to our findings, these three variables-N2 stage, REMd, and R1-appear to differentiate patients with BD from those with ADHD and from HC.

At-risk symptoms of bipolar disorder in a university student cohort

To assess the occurrence and frequency of bipolar at-risk symptoms in a large sample of previously undiagnosed students using the new screening tool Bochumer Screeningbogen Bipolar (BSB). 2329 students of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany completed online demographic data as well as various self-rating questionnaires (BSB; Hypomania Checklist 32; Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale; Beck Depression Inventory). Within the student cohort (64.4% female, mean age 24.3 years) every fifth student currently suffered from moderate to severe depressive symptoms; every sixth student had already thought about suicide and every other student reported a history of mood swings. The most frequently reported depressive symptoms included physical exhaustion, depressed mood, and tiredness. The most frequently reported (hypo)manic symptoms included physical agitation, feeling extremely energetic, and lack of concentration. The BSB showed good convergent validity with other established questionnaires capturing depressive or (hypo)manic symptoms, as well as a stable administration of underlying constructs. The BSB correlated significantly with the already established applied questionnaires. The predictive power of the BSB regarding the development of bipolar disorder cannot be correctly quantified at present. The further purpose of this exploratory web-based study should be to examine the validity of the presented measures in a longitudinal design.

The Lausanne-Geneva cohort study of offspring of parents with mood disorders: methodology, findings, current sample characteristics, and perspectives

PURPOSE

Studies focusing on the offspring of affected parents utilize the well-established familial aggregation of mood disorders as a powerful tool for the identification of risk factors, early clinical manifestations, and prodromes of mood disorders in these offspring. The major goals of the Lausanne-Geneva mood cohort study are to: (1) assess the familial aggregation of bipolar and unipolar mood disorders; (2) prospectively identify risk factors for mood disorders as well as their early signs and prodromes; (3) identify their endophenotypes including cognitive features, alterations in brain structure, HPA-axis dysregulation, and abnormalities of the circadian rhythm of activity.

METHODS

Probands with bipolar disorders, major depressive disorder, and controls with at least one child aged from 4 to 17.9 years at study intake, their offspring, as well as their spouses are invited to take part in follow-up assessments at predetermined ages of the offspring. Direct semi-structured diagnostic interviews have been used for all participants. Probands, spouses, and adult offspring also undergo neurocognitive testing, anthropomorphic measures and biochemical exams, structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging, as well as objective assessments of physical activity using accelerometers in combination with ecological momentary assessments.

RESULTS

Currently, our study has up to seven follow-up assessments extending over a period of 20 years. There are 214 probands and 389 offspring with one direct interview before age 18 as well as a second assessment over follow-up. Data on 236 co-parents are also available from whom 55% have been directly interviewed. First publications support the specificity of the familial aggregation of BPD and the strong influence of an early onset of the parental BPD, which amplifies the risk of developing this disorder in offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Information from clinical, biological, cognitive, and behavioral measures, based on contemporary knowledge, should further enhance our understanding of mood disorder psychopathology, its consequences, and underlying mechanisms.

Toward the Definition of a Bipolar Prodrome: Dimensional Predictors of Bipolar Spectrum Disorders in At-Risk Youths

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to assess dimensional symptomatic predictors of new-onset bipolar spectrum disorders in youths at familial risk of bipolar disorder ("at-risk" youths).

METHOD

Offspring 6-18 years old of parents with bipolar I or II disorder (N=359) and community comparison offspring (N=220) were recruited. At baseline, 8.4% of the offspring of bipolar parents had a bipolar spectrum disorder. Over 8 years, 14.7% of offspring for whom follow-up data were available (44/299) developed a new-onset bipolar spectrum disorder (15 with bipolar I or II disorder). Measures collected at baseline and follow-up were reduced using factor analyses, and factors (both at baseline and at the visit prior to conversion or last contact) were assessed as predictors of new-onset bipolar spectrum disorders.

RESULTS

Relative to comparison offspring, at-risk and bipolar offspring had higher baseline levels of anxiety/depression, inattention/disinhibition, externalizing, subsyndromal manic, and affective lability symptoms. The strongest predictors of new-onset bipolar spectrum disorders were baseline anxiety/depression, baseline and proximal affective lability, and proximal subsyndromal manic symptoms (p<0.05). While affective lability and anxiety/depression were elevated throughout follow-up in those who later developed a bipolar spectrum disorder, manic symptoms increased up to the point of conversion. A path analysis supported the hypothesis that affective lability at baseline predicts a new-onset bipolar spectrum disorder in part through increased manic symptoms at the visit prior to conversion; earlier parental age at mood disorder onset was also significantly associated with an increased risk of conversion. While youths without anxiety/depression, affective lability, and mania (and with a parent with older age at mood disorder onset) had a 2% predicted chance of conversion to a bipolar spectrum disorder, those with all risk factors had a 49% predicted chance of conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensional measures of anxiety/depression, affective lability, and mania are important predictors of new-onset bipolar spectrum disorders in at-risk youths. These symptoms emerged from among numerous other candidates, underscoring the potential clinical and research utility of these findings.

Early stages of bipolar disorder: characterization and strategies for early intervention

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the early stages of bipolar disorder (BD), defined as the clinical prodrome/subsyndromal stage and first-episode phase, and strategies for their respective treatment.

METHODS

A selective literature search of the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and ISI databases from inception until March 2014 was performed. Included in this review were articles that a) characterized prodromal and first-episode stages of BD or b) detailed efficacy and safety/tolerability of interventions in patients considered prodromal for BD or those with only one episode of mania/hypomania.

RESULTS

As research has only recently focused on characterization of the early phase of BD, there is little evidence for the effectiveness of any treatment option in the early phase of BD. Case management; individual, group, and family therapy; supportive therapy; and group psychoeducation programs have been proposed. Most evidence-based treatment guidelines for BD do not address treatment specifically in the context of the early stages of illness. Evidence for pharmacotherapy is usually presented in relation to illness polarity (i.e., manic/mixed or depressed) or treatment phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Although early recognition and treatment are critical to preventing unfavorable outcomes, there is currently little evidence for interventions in these stages of BD.

Is There a Bipolar Prodrome Among Children and Adolescents?

Bipolar disorder in youth substantially impairs behavior, family, and social functioning and interferes with developmental course. There is increasing interest in defining a bipolar prodrome similar to that reported in early-onset psychosis that will allow for earlier intervention and reduction in overall morbidity and mortality. Several lines of research have addressed this important issue including studies of offspring of bipolar parents, high-risk cohorts, and longitudinal follow-up of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), ADHD, and bipolar spectrum disorder. The development and validation of bipolar prodrome rating scales also shows promise. Recent attempts to intervene at earlier stages of bipolar disorder have led to some positive outcomes. However, a controversy remains concerning the identification and management of the earliest symptoms. Further research is needed to fully validate a bipolar prodrome and to determine the optimal course of action at various stages of illness.

The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study--VIA 7--a cohort study of 520 7-year-old children born of parents diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or neither of these two mental disorders

BACKGROUND

Severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are known to be diseases that to some extent, but not entirely can be understood genetically. The dominating hypothesis is that these disorders should be understood in a neurodevelopmental perspective where genes and environment as well as gene-environment-interactions contribute to the risk of developing the disease. We aim to analyse the influences of genetic risk and environmental factors in a population of 520 7-year-old children with either 0, 1 or 2 parents diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis or bipolar disorder on mental health and level of functioning. We hypothesize that a larger proportion of children growing up with an ill parent will display abnormal or delayed development, behavioural problems or psychiatric symptoms compared to the healthy controls.

METHODS/DESIGN

We are establishing a cohort of 5207 year old children and both their parents for a comprehensive investigation with main outcome measures being neurocognition, behaviour, psychopathology and neuromotor development of the child. Parents and children are examined with a comprehensive battery of instruments and are asked for genetic material (saliva or blood) for genetic analyses. The participants are recruited via Danish registers to ensure representativity. Data from registers concerning social status, birth complications, somatic illnesses and hospitalization are included in the database. Psychological and relational factors like emotional climate in the family, degree of stimulation and support in the home and attachment style are also investigated.

DISCUSSION

Data collection started January 1, 2013, and is successfully ongoing. By Aug 2015 424 families are included. About 20% of the invited families decline to participate, equal for all groups.

Temperament and prodromal symptoms prior to first manic/hypomanic episodes: results from a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Prodromal symptoms prior to first episode mania/hypomania have been reported. However, the relationship between temperament and manic/hypomanic prodromal symptoms has not been investigated. We hypothesized that subjects scoring higher on cyclothymic and irritable temperament scales show more manic/hypomanic prodromal symptoms.

METHOD

Euthymic patients diagnosed with bipolar-I or -II disorder within 8 years underwent retrospective assessments with the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) and the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective (BPSS-R).

RESULTS

Among 39 subjects (36.1 ± 9.9 years, females = 59%, bipolar-I = 62%) 100% and 92.3% reported subthreshold mania (mean = 7.4 ± 2.9) or subthreshold depressive symptoms (mean = 2.4 ± 1.5), and 87.2% and 43.6% reported general psychopathology (mean = 3.2 ± 2.0) or subthreshold psychotic symptoms (mean = 0.7 ± 1.0) prior to their first hypo-/manic episode. Subjects with higher cyclothymic and irritable temperament scores showed more subthreshold symptoms prior to the first manic/hypomanic episode, mainly subthreshold hypo-/manic symptoms (cyclothymic temperament r = 0.430; p = 0.006; irritable temperament r = 0.330; p = 0.040), general psychopathology symptoms (cyclothymic temperament r = 0.316; p = 0.05; irritable temperament r = 0.349; p = 0.029) and subthreshold psychotic symptoms (cyclothymic temperament r = 0.413; p = 0.009). In regression analyses, cyclothymic temperament explained 16.1% and 12.5% of the variance of the BPSS-R total score (p = 0.045) and psychosis subscore (p = 0.029).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study, no control group, small sample size.

CONCLUSION

We present data, which indicate a relationship between cyclothymic and irritable temperament and prodromal symptoms prior to the first manic/hypomanic episode. These findings support the notion that assessing cyclothymic temperament to identify people at-risk of developing bipolar-I and -II disorder may help to increase the predictive validity of applied at-risk criteria.

Psychosocial interventions in the treatment of youth diagnosed or at high-risk for pediatric bipolar disorder: A review of the literature

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) has emerged as a research field in which psychosocial treatments have provided a plethora of empirical findings over the last decade. We addressed this issue through a systematic review aimed of establishing their effectiveness and feasibility as adjunctive therapies for youth with PBD or at high-risk for PBD. A comprehensive search of databases was performed between 1990 and September 2014. Overall, 33 studies were specifically related to the issue and 20 of them were original articles. Evidence suggests that both "multi-family psychoeducational psychotherapy' and "family-focused therapy" are possible effective treatments for PBD. Likewise, "child and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy" may be characterized as a treatment in its experimental phase. The remaining therapies fail to obtain enough empirical support due to inconsistent findings among clinical trials or data solely based on case reports. Studies of psychosocial treatments provide concluding results concerning their feasibility and acceptability. Larger sample sizes and more randomized controlled trials are mandatory for diminishing methodological shortcomings encountered in the treatments displayed.

Neurocognitive impairments among youth with pediatric bipolar disorder: a systematic review of neuropsychological research

BACKGROUND

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) has emerged as a field of research in which neuropsychological studies are continuously providing new empirical findings. Despite this, a comprehensive framework for neurocognitive impairments is still lacking, and most of the evidence remains unconnected. We addressed this question through a systematic review of neuropsychological research, with the aim of elucidating the main issues concerning this topic.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, PsycINFO) was performed. Published manuscripts between 1990 and January 2014 were identified. Overall, 124 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Methodological differences between studies required a descriptive review of findings.

RESULTS

Evidence indicates that verbal/visual-spatial memory, processing speed, working memory, and social cognition are neurocognitive domains impaired in PBD youth. Furthermore, these deficits are greater among those who suffer acute affective symptoms, PBD type I, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity. In addition, several neurocognitive deficits imply certain changes in prefrontal cortex activity and are somewhat associated with psychosocial and academic disabilities. Strikingly, these deficits are consistently similar to those encountered in ADHD as well as severe mood dysregulation (SMD). Besides, some neurocognitive impairments appear before the onset of the illness and tend to maintain stable across adolescence. Finally, any therapy has not yet demonstrated to be effective on diminishing these neurocognitive impairments.

LIMITATIONS

More prolonged follow-up studies aimed at delineating the course of treatment and the response to it are warranted.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite noteworthy research on the neurocognitive profile of PBD, our knowledge is still lagging behind evidence from adult counterparts.

Type and duration of subsyndromal symptoms in youth with bipolar I disorder prior to their first manic episode

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the prodrome to mania in youth.

METHODS

New-onset/worsening symptoms/signs of ≥ moderate severity preceding first mania were systematically assessed in 52 youth (16.2 ± 2.8 years) with a research diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (BD-I). Youth and/or caregivers underwent semi-structured interviews, using the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective.

RESULTS

The mania prodrome was reported to start gradually in most youth (88.5%), with either slow (59.6%) or rapid (28.8%) deterioration, while a rapid-onset-and-deterioration prodrome was rare (11.5%). The manic prodrome, conservatively defined as requiring ≥ 3 symptoms, lasted 10.3 ± 14.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3-14.4], being present for ≥ 4 months in 65.4% of subjects. Among prodromal symptoms reported in ≥ 50% of youth, three were subthreshold manic in nature (irritability: 61.5%, racing thoughts: 59.6%, increased energy/activity: 50.0%), two were nonspecific (decreased school/work functioning: 65.4%, mood swings/lability: 57.7%), and one each was depressive (depressed mood: 53.8%) or subthreshold manic/depressive (inattention: 51.9%). A decreasing number of youth had ≥ 1 (84.6%), ≥ 2 (48.1%), or ≥ 3 (26.9%) 'specific' subthreshold mania symptoms (i.e., elation, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, or hypersexuality), lasting 9.5 ± 14.9 months (95% CI: 5.0-14.0), 3.5 ± 3.5 months (95% CI: 2.0-4.9), and 3.0 ± 3.2 months (95% CI: 1.0-5.0) for ≥ 1, ≥ 2, or ≥ 3 specific symptoms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In youth with BD-I, a relatively long, predominantly slow-onset mania prodrome appears to be common, including subthreshold manic and depressive psychopathology symptoms. This suggests that early clinical identification and intervention may be feasible in bipolar disorder. Identifying biological markers associated with clinical symptoms of impending mania may help to increase chances for early detection and prevention before full mania.

The Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Prospective (BPSS-P): description and validation in a psychiatric sample and healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale-Prospective (BPSS-P), the first specific interview for emerging bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 205 youth aged 12-23 years and/or their caregivers underwent BPSS-P interviews: 129 patients with mood spectrum disorders [depression spectrum disorder (n = 77), mood disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) (n = 27), BD-NOS (n = 14), bipolar I disorder (BD-I)/bipolar II disorder (BD-II)/cyclothymia (n = 11), 34 with non-mood spectrum disorders, and 42 healthy controls (HCs)]. We used Cronbach's α to assess internal consistency; intra-class correlation (ICC) for inter-rater reliability; Spearman's rho for convergent validity with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), General Behavior Inventory-10-item Mania Form (GBI-M-10), and Cyclothymic-Hypersensitive Temperament (CHT) scale; and analysis of variance for discriminatory power between diagnostic groups.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was good to very good for the BPSS-P Mania (Cronbach's α = 0.87), Depression (Cronbach's α = 0.89), and General Symptom indices (Cronbach's α = 0.74). Inter-rater reliability was high for the BPSS-P Total score (ICC = 0.939), and BPSS-P Mania (ICC = 0.934), Depression (ICC = 0.985), and General (ICC = 0.981) indices. Convergent validity was large (ρ ≥ 0.50) between the BPSS-P Mania Index and YMRS, GBI-M-10, and CHT; BPSS-P Depression Index and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and CHT; and BPSS-P General Index and GBI-M-10 and CHT. Expectedly, convergent validity was small (ρ = 0.10 to < 0.30) between the BPSS-P Mania Index and MADRS, and BPSS-P Depression Index and YMRS. Furthermore, the BPSS-P and its subscales discriminated each patient group from HCs and from non-mood spectrum patients (except for the BPSS-P General Index). Moreover, the BPSS-P Total score discriminated BD-I/BD-II/cyclothymia from depression spectrum patients, and the BPSS-Mania Index differentiated all three bipolar spectrum groups from depression spectrum patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPSS-P has good to excellent psychometric properties. Its use across multiple settings and predictive validity requires further investigation.

Validation of the Italian version of interpersonal sensitivity measure (IPSM) in adolescents and young adults

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal sensitivity is a personality trait that describes as excessive awareness of both the behaviour and feelings of others. High interpersonal sensitivity has been associated with the development and maintenance of mental health problems. This study aimed to examine whether the Italian version of the interpersonal sensitivity measure (IPSM) has good internal consistence and convergent validity.

METHODS

Validity was established on a sample of 153 Italian adolescents and young adult help seekers for several psychological problems. These subjects were divided in two groups - depressive spectrum disorder group (n=42) and other diagnosis group (n=111) - according to Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I) for DSM-IV and Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). For convergent validity, we studied the correlation between total and each subscale IPSM scores and the General Symptoms (included depressive and dysphoric symptoms) of Prodromal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The internal consistency were adequate and comparable to the original Boyce and Parker study. The validity was good, as indicated by both the convergent validity analysis and the depressive spectrum disorder group and other diagnosis group comparison.

LIMITATIONS

The absence of another scale measuring interpersonal sensitivity to assess the construct validity of IPSM; the clinical heterogeneity of the sample; the absence of test re-test reliability of the instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the results of internal consistency and convergent validity of the IPSM indicates that this version translated into Italian is valid and reliable.

Psychotherapeutic interventions in individuals at risk of developing bipolar disorder: a systematic review

AIM

Accumulating data show that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) experience substantial symptomatology months or years before full manifestation. Based on the need for early preventive interventions in BD as well as data suggesting effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for BD, we aimed to review the evidence for psychotherapeutic treatments in help-seeking individuals considered at risk for BD (At-Risk-BD).

METHODS

Searching PubMed and PsycINFO, clinical trial registries and recently published systematic reviews, a systematic review was performed of psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic intervention studies in At-Risk-BD individuals.

RESULTS

Only three completed studies were identified, two of which were randomized trials (n = 77) and one was an open pilot study (n = 13). Two ongoing studies (projected n = 150 and n = 100, respectively) were found in trial registries. The available evidence suggests potential effectiveness of multi-family psychoeducational psychotherapy and family-focussed therapy for symptom reduction and prevention of BD conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotherapeutic treatments are a reasonable starting point for At-Risk-BD subjects when symptom severity, distress and impairment are sufficiently significant to initiate treatment. Ongoing studies will further clarify the effectiveness and timing of psychotherapeutic interventions for At-Risk-BD individuals and whether or not they should be given alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Large multi-site studies with standardized procedures/manuals are needed to advance the field.

Characteristics, symptomatology and naturalistic treatment in individuals at-risk for bipolar disorders: baseline results in the first 180 help-seeking individuals assessed at the Dresden high-risk project

BACKGROUND

Considering results from the early recognition and intervention in psychosis, identification and treatment of individuals with at-risk states for the development of bipolar disorders (BD) could improve the course and severity of illness and prevent long-term consequences. Different approaches to define risk factors and groups have recently been published, data on treatment options are still missing.

METHODS

Help-seeking persons at the early recognition center in Dresden, Germany, were assessed with a standardized diagnostic procedure including following risk factors for BD: familial risk, increasing mood swings, subsyndromal (hypo)manic symptoms, specific sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, anxiety/fearfulness, affective disorder, decreased psychosocial functioning, increasing periodic substance use, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Based on symptomatology and current and/or life-time psychiatric diagnosis, subjects with an at-risk state were offered individual treatment options.

RESULTS

Out of 180 referred and screened persons, 29 (16%) met criteria for at-risk state for BD. Altogether, 27 (93%) at-risk individuals fulfilled criteria for a current and/or life-time mental illness other than BD; 14 (48%) had received pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatment in the past. Treatments recommended included psychoeducation (100%), psychotherapy alone (62%), pharmacotherapy alone (17%), and psychotherapy+pharmacotherapy (14%).

CONCLUSIONS

To identify at-risk states for BD, a multifactorial approach including all known risk markers should be used. As most at-risk patients meet criteria for other mental disorders, the short- and long-term impact of different treatment strategies on symptomatic, functional and diagnostic outcomes requires detailed investigation.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size of at-risk individuals, lack of sufficient prospective data and control groups.

Integrated neurobiology of bipolar disorder

From a neurobiological perspective there is no such thing as bipolar disorder. Rather, it is almost certainly the case that many somewhat similar, but subtly different, pathological conditions produce a disease state that we currently diagnose as bipolarity. This heterogeneity - reflected in the lack of synergy between our current diagnostic schema and our rapidly advancing scientific understanding of the condition - limits attempts to articulate an integrated perspective on bipolar disorder. However, despite these challenges, scientific findings in recent years are beginning to offer a provisional "unified field theory" of the disease. This theory sees bipolar disorder as a suite of related neurodevelopmental conditions with interconnected functional abnormalities that often appear early in life and worsen over time. In addition to accelerated loss of volume in brain areas known to be essential for mood regulation and cognitive function, consistent findings have emerged at a cellular level, providing evidence that bipolar disorder is reliably associated with dysregulation of glial-neuronal interactions. Among these glial elements are microglia - the brain's primary immune elements, which appear to be overactive in the context of bipolarity. Multiple studies now indicate that inflammation is also increased in the periphery of the body in both the depressive and manic phases of the illness, with at least some return to normality in the euthymic state. These findings are consistent with changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which are known to drive inflammatory activation. In summary, the very fact that no single gene, pathway, or brain abnormality is likely to ever account for the condition is itself an extremely important first step in better articulating an integrated perspective on both its ontological status and pathogenesis. Whether this perspective will translate into the discovery of innumerable more homogeneous forms of bipolarity is one of the great questions facing the field and one that is likely to have profound treatment implications, given that fact that such a discovery would greatly increase our ability to individualize - and by extension, enhance - treatment.