Historical Underpinnings of Bipolar Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Adaptive Hyperactivity and Biomarker Exploration: Insights from Elders in the Blue Zone of Sardinia

Background/Objectives: Adaptive hyperactivity characterized by increased activity levels and novelty-seeking traits without mood disorders is prevalent among older adults in Sardinia's "blue zone," an area with high longevity. This study aims to evaluate the adaptive nature of hyperactivity concerning quality of life, social rhythms, and mood symptoms in individuals from this region, particularly among elderly adults over 80. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included adults and older adults over 80 from Sardinia's blue zone. This study included a sample of patients followed at the Center for Consultation Psychiatry and Psychosomatics for Bipolar Disorder of the University Hospital of Cagliari and a homogeneous comparison sample of patients without psychiatric pathologies, referred to the Dermatology Clinic of the same hospital, for a period of 6 months, from February to August 2024. The general sample, divided into two parts-cases, represented by patients with psychiatric pathology, and controls, patients without psychiatric pathology-was divided in turn into three sub-groups: "adults" (18-64 years), young elders (65-79), and old elders (over 80 years). The participants underwent psychiatric interviews and completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), SF-12, and Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). Data were compared with national and regional normative data. Results: Older adults in the blue zone demonstrated higher MDQ positivity (22.58%) compared to the national averages (0.87%), without corresponding increases in dysregulated rhythms, depressive symptoms, or reduced quality of life. Younger old persons (65-79 years) showed increased rhythm dysregulation (BSRS score: 20.64 ± 7.02) compared to adults (17.40 ± 6.09, p = 0.040), but this trend was not observed in the oldest group (80+ years). No significant differences were found in the CH3SH and (CH3)2S levels between groups. Conclusions: The hyperactivity observed in older adults from Sardinia's blue zone appears adaptive and not linked to social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, or a diminished quality of life, suggesting resilience factors which may contribute to longevity. These findings support the potential classification of such hyperactivity as beneficial rather than pathological, warranting further research into biomarkers and psychoeducational interventions to prevent the onset of bipolar disorders in predisposed individuals.

Perinatal photoperiod associations with bipolar disorder and depression: A systematic literature review and cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank database

Season-of-birth associations with psychiatric disorders point to environmental (co-)aetiological factors such as natural photoperiod that, if clarified, may allow interventions toward prevention. We systematically reviewed the literature concerning season-of-birth and bipolar disorder and depression and explored associations between the perinatal natural photoperiod and these outcomes in a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank database. We used mean daily photoperiod and relative photoperiod range (relative to the mean) in the 3rd trimester and, separately, in the first 3 months post birth as metrics. From review, increased risk of depression with late spring birth is compatible with increased odds of probable single episode-, probable recurrent-, and diagnosed depression (OR 2.85 95 %CI 1.6-5.08, OR 2.20 95 %CI 1.57-3.1, and OR 1.48 95 %CI 1.11-1.97, respectively) with increasing 3rd trimester relative photoperiod range for participants who experienced relatively non-extreme daily photoperiods. Risk of bipolar disorder with winter-spring birth contrasted with no consistent patterns of perinatal photoperiod metric associations with bipolar disorder in the UK Biobank. As natural photoperiod varies by both time-of-year and latitude, perinatal natural photoperiods (and a hypothesized mechanism of action via the circadian timing system and/or serotonergic circuitry associated with the dorsal raphe nucleus) may reconcile inconsistencies in season-of-birth associations. Further studies are warranted.

Longitudinal studies of bipolar patients and their families: translating findings to advance individualized risk prediction, treatment and research

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is a broad diagnostic construct associated with significant phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity challenging progress in clinical practice and discovery research. Prospective studies of well-characterized patients and their family members have identified lithium responsive (LiR) and lithium non-responsive (LiNR) subtypes that hold promise for advancement.

METHOD

In this narrative review, relevant observations from published longitudinal studies of well-characterized bipolar patients and their families spanning six decades are highlighted. DSM diagnoses based on SADS-L interviews were decided in blind consensus reviews by expert clinicians. Genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors were investigated in subsets of well-characterized probands and adult relatives. Systematic maintenance trials of lithium, antipsychotics, and lamotrigine were carried out. Clinical profiles that included detailed histories of the clinical course, symptom sets and disorders segregating in families were documented. Offspring of LiR and LiNR families were repeatedly assessed up to 20 years using KSADS-PL format interviews and DSM diagnoses and sub-threshold symptoms were decided by expert clinicians in blind consensus reviews using all available clinical and research data.

RESULTS

A characteristic clinical profile differentiated bipolar patients who responded to lithium stabilization from those who did not. The LiR subtype was characterized by a recurrent fully remitting course predominated by depressive episodes and a positive family history of episodic remitting mood disorders, and not schizophrenia. Response to lithium clustered in families and the characteristic clinical profile predicted lithium response, with the episodic remitting course being a strong correlate. There is accumulating evidence that genetic and neurobiological markers differ between LiR and LiNR subtypes. Further, offspring of bipolar parents subdivided by lithium response differed in developmental history, clinical antecedents and early course of mood disorders. Moreover, the nature of the emergent course bred true from parent to offspring, independent of the nature of emergent psychopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar disorders are heterogeneous and response to long-term lithium is associated with a familial subtype with characteristic course, treatment response, family history and likely pathogenesis. Incorporating distinctive clinical profiles that index valid bipolar subtypes into routine practice and research will improve patient outcomes and advance the development and translation of novel treatment targets to improve prevention and early intervention.

[Bipolar affective disorder occurring with psychopharmacotherapy-induced manic phases]

To analyze the stages of development of the problem, identify the evolution of views and the main directions of current research in the field of bipolar affective disorder, which occurs with psychopharmacotherapy-induced manic phases, the search for publications by keywords «pharmaco-induced mania»", «bipolar affective disorder» was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Russian Citation index and other sources from the mid-19th century to the present. The issue of adequate treatment of bipolar depression became relevant back in the 20th century; numerous observations indicated the presence of associated risks when using antidepressants in patients with bipolar affective disorder, namely, the likelihood of affect inversion and aggravation of the course of the disease (accelerated cyclicity, continuum). In recent years, due to the expansion of research capabilities and the introduction of biological psychiatry, works have appeared that consider this problem from both clinical and pharmacodynamic, genetic and neurophysiological aspects, which opens up the prospect of developing advanced methods of personalized medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder, taking into account the need to minimize iatrogenic effects.

Reduction of GAS5 and FOXD3-AS1 long non-coding RNAs in patients with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) patients suffer from severe disability and premature death because of failure in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Although neural mechanisms of bipolar have not been fully discovered, studies have shown long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play an important role in signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT pathway. There has been little study on deregulated lncRNAs and the lncRNAs' mode of action in the BD. Hence, we aimed to investigate the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related lncRNAs named TUG1, GAS5, and FOXD3-AS1 lncRNAs in the PMBC in 50 bipolar patients and 50 healthy controls. Our results showed that FOXD3-AS1 and GAS5 under-expressed significantly in bipolar patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.0028 and P < 0.0001 respectively). Moreover, after adjustment, all P values remained significant (q value < 0.0001). According to the ROC curve, AUC (area under the curve), specificity, and sensitivity of these lncRNAs, GAS5 and FOXD3-AS1 might work as BD candidate diagnostic biomarkers. Taken together, the current results highlight that the dysregulation of FOXD3-AS1 and GAS5 may be associated with an increased risk of BD.

Bipolar disorder in the International Classification of Diseases-Eleventh version: A review of the changes, their basis, and usefulness

The World Health Organization’s 11^th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) including the chapter on mental disorders has come into effect this year. This review focuses on the “Bipolar or Related Disorders” section of the ICD-11 draft. It describes the benchmarks for the new version, particularly the foremost principle of clinical utility. The alterations made to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) are evaluated on their scientific basis and clinical utility. The change in the diagnostic requirements for manic and hypomanic episodes has been much debated. Whether the current criteria have achieved an optimum balance between sensitivity and specificity is still not clear. The ICD-11 definition of depressive episodes is substantially different, but the lack of empirical support for the changes has meant that the reliability and utility of bipolar depression are relatively low. Unlike the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th edition (DSM-5), the ICD-11 has retained the category of mixed episodes. Although the concept of mixed episodes in the ICD-11 is not perfect, it appears to be more inclusive than the DSM-5 approach. Additionally, there are some uncertainties about the guidelines for the subtypes of BD and cyclothymic disorder. The initial results on the reliability and clinical utility of BD are promising, but the newly created diagnostic categories also appear to have some limitations. Although further improvement and research are needed, the focus should now be on facing the challenges of implementation, dissemination, and education and training in the use of these guidelines.

Zebrafish as a potential non-traditional model organism in translational bipolar disorder research: Genetic and behavioral insights

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and debilitating illness that affects 1-2% of the population worldwide. BD is characterized by recurrent and extreme mood swings, including mania/hypomania and depression. Animal experimental models have been used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying BD and different strategies have been proposed to assess BD-like symptoms. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a suitable vertebrate system for modeling BD-like responses, due to the genetic tractability, molecular/physiological conservation, and well-characterized behavioral responses. In this review, we discuss how zebrafish-based models can be successfully used to understand molecular, biochemical, and behavioral alterations paralleling those found in BD. We also outline some advantages and limitations of this aquatic species to examine BD-like phenotypes in translational neurobehavioral research. Overall, we reinforce the use of zebrafish as a promising tool to investigate the neural basis associated with BD-like behaviors, which may foster the discovery of novel pharmacological therapies.

Personality traits differentiate patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls - A meta-analytic approach

BACKGROUND

Expression of specific personality traits has been associated with the presence and disease course of bipolar disorder (BD) in multiple studies. However, until today findings are inconsistent and potentially confounding factors such as age and gender as well as the limited sample size of previous studies make it difficult to generalize these findings. To overcome these limitations and to specify the role of personality traits in the context of BD, we performed a meta-analysis in patients with BD and healthy controls (HC), focusing on the traits of the big three and the big five: Neuroticism (N), Extraversion (E), Openness (O), Conscientiousness (C), Agreeableness (A) and Psychoticism (P).

METHODS

Two online databases (Pubmed and Web of Science) were searched systematically to identify relevant articles, including publications up to December 31, 2019. From studies that met our inclusion criteria (n = 18), we extracted relevant data of patients with BD (n = 1694) and HC (n = 2153) and calculated effect sizes for each personality trait. Further, we performed moderator analysis on gender, age, quality score and years of publication.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that patients with BD exhibit higher scores on N (large positive effect size; n = 18, g = 1.44, 95%-CI : 1.11 to 1.77) and lower scores on C (medium negative effect size; n = 6, g = -0.78, 95%-CI: -1.13 to -0.43) and E (small negative effect size; n = 13, g = -0.38, 95%-CI: -0.52 to -0.23) compared to HC. We found a moderating effect of mean age on the effect size of N with smaller differences in N levels between patients with BD and HC in older samples (-0.0437, z = - 3.96, p <0.0001). Our results were robust with respect to potential publication biases and the inclusion of potentially confounding factors such as gender, age, quality score and years of publication.

LIMITATIONS

Due to the lack of available data no subgroup analysis on the effect of mood states of patients and subtypes of BD could be performed. Moreover, our analyses are based on cross-sectional data so that findings should be interpreted with care, especially concerning causal conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BD showed differences in several personality traits compared to HC. Our results provide the basis for future research with focus on personality and psychopathology in patients with BD. Identifying the interaction between expressions of personality traits and BD might provide novel approaches in prevention and therapy.

Resting-state fMRI in depressive and (hypo)manic mood states in bipolar disorders: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity, measured with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), may be key biomarkers for bipolar disorders. This systematic review compares rs-fMRI findings in people experiencing a bipolar depressive or (hypo)manic episode to bipolar euthymia and/or healthy participants.

METHODS

Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched up until April 2021. Studies without control group, or including minors, neurological co-morbidities or mixed episodes, were excluded. Qualitative synthesis was used to report results and risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool for case-control studies.

RESULTS

Seventy-one studies were included (3167 bipolar depressed/706 (hypo)manic). In bipolar depression, studies demonstrated default-mode (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN) dysfunction, altered baseline activity in the precuneus, insula, striatum, cingulate, frontal and temporal cortex, and disturbed regional homogeneity in parietal, temporal and pericentral areas. Functional connectivity was altered in thalamocortical circuits and between the cingulate cortex and precuneus. In (hypo)mania, studies reported altered functional connectivity in the amygdala, frontal and cingulate cortex. Finally, rs-fMRI disturbances in the insula and putamen correlate with depressive symptoms, cerebellar resting-state alterations could evolve with disease progression and altered amygdala connectivity might mediate lithium effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest DMN and FPN dysfunction in bipolar depression, whereas local rs-fMRI alterations might differentiate mood states. Future studies should consider controlling rs-fMRI findings for potential clinical confounding factors such as medication. Considerable heterogeneity of methodology between studies limits conclusions. Standardised clinical reporting and consistent analysis approaches would increase coherence in this promising field.

Nosografia dos Transtornos Afetivos: um recorte histórico de Kraepelin ao DSM-5

A nosografia dos transtornos do humor e do afeto relaciona-se diretamente com as formas de apreensão dos quadros clínicos em cada contexto histórico. É indagado se o resgate histórico contribuiria para melhor compreensão e utilização da atual nosologia dos transtornos de humor. Objetiva-se realizar uma revisão histórica e crítica acerca de suas transformações conceituais e nosológicas com enfoque ao campo médico-psiquiátrico. O recorte pretendido se inicia com a proposição da “Insanidade Maníaco-Depressiva” por Emil Kraepelin em 1899, que é confrontada com as propostas pós-kraepelianas, em especial as de Karl Leonhard. Analisa-se a influência dessas na criação dos sistemas diagnósticos operacionalizados, DSM e CID. O “Transtorno Bipolar” foi um constructo introduzido pelo DSM-III e se mantém em uso até os dias atuais. Aborda-se também propostas posteriores, como a do “Espectro Bipolar”.

Presence and Overlap of Bipolar Symptoms and Borderline Features during Major Depressive Episodes

BACKGROUND

Bipolar symptoms and borderline personality features occur in both unipolar and bipolar major depressive episodes (MDEs). We investigated their prevalence, severity, co-occurrence and overlap.

METHODS

We interviewed 124 psychiatric outpatients with MDE using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I and II Disorders, the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index (BPDSI-IV), and about past (hypo)manic episodes, and stratified them according to the principal diagnosis into subcohorts of major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 50), bipolar disorder (BD, n = 43), and borderline personality disorder (BPD, n = 31). We quantified (hypo)manic symptoms using a novel semi-structured interview (MIXed symptoms during MDE, MIX-MDE) with good psychometric qualities.

RESULTS

The subcohorts did not differ in MDE severity. They differed significantly in some (hypo)manic symptoms being present on most days in 24% of MDD, 30% of BD, and 42% of BPD subcohort, but only 5% of the BD subcohort fulfilled the DSM-5 mixed features. The mean MIX-MDE scores were 5.7 (SD 4.0), 12.0 (8.2) and 10.5 (7.5), and BPDSI-IV scores 15.6 (7.0), 17.2 (6.2) and 26.9 (8.7), respectively (both p < 0.001). (Hypo)manic days and unspecific symptoms of distractibility and irritability inflated the correlation of observed (hypo)manic symptoms and borderline features.

LIMITATIONS

Moderate sample size, limited age variation (18-50 years); no previous validation of MIX-MDE.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of some mixed and borderline features is common in MDEs, with overlap and diagnosis-specific differences. Unspecific symptoms of irritability and distractibility and the aggravating impact of hypomania on perceived BPD features blur the differential diagnosis.

The Effect of Psychoeducation on Internalized Stigma of the Hospitalized Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Stigma is one of the common problems of patients with bipolar disorders, which impedes their recovery. This is a quasi-experimental study on 76 hospitalized patients with bipolar disorder (38 in each group) in Iran. The intervention group received six sessions of psychoeducation in a period of 2 weeks. Internalized stigma was measured by the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale. The education significantly reduced the scores of alienation, discrimination experience, stigma resistance and total score of stigma in the intervention group. Hence, this education can be used as an accessible technique in hospitals to reduce the internalized stigma.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary interactions: why Galen's misconceptions proved clinically useful for 1,300 years

The new generations of physicians are, to a large extent, unaware of the complex philosophical and biological concepts that created the bases of modern medicine. Building on the Hellenistic tradition of the four humors and their qualities, Galen (AD 129 to c. 216) provided a persuasive scheme of the structure and function of the cardiorespiratory system, which lasted, without serious contest, for 1,300 yr. Galen combined teleological concepts with careful clinical observation to defend a coherent and integrated system in which the fire-heart-flaming at the center of the body-interacts with lungs' air-pneuma to create life. Remarkably, however, he achieved these goals, despite failing to grasp the concept of systemic and pulmonary blood circulations, understand the source and destiny of venous and arterial blood, recognize the lung as the organ responsible for gas exchange, comprehend the actual events taking place in the left ventricle, and identify the source of internal heat. In this article, we outline the alternative theories Galen put forward to explain these complex phenomena. We then discuss how the final consequences of Galen's flawed anatomical and physiological conceptions do not differ substantially from those obtained if one applies modern concepts. Recognition of this state of affairs may explain why the ancient practitioner could achieve relative success, without harming the patient, to understand and treat a multitude of symptoms and illnesses.

Treatment of Mixed Features in Bipolar Disorder: an Updated View

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mixed presentations in bipolar disorder have long posed clinical and nosological challenges. The DSM-5 mixed features specifier was developed to provide a more flexible and clinically relevant definition of mixed presentations compared with narrowly defined DSM-IV mixed episodes. However, there is little guidance on treating such presentations. Here, we summarize the evidence for biological treatments of DSM-5 and similarly defined mixed features (MFs).

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature on treating MFs is almost exclusively based on post hoc analyses. Within this limited evidence base is preliminary positive data for aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone in treating acute mania with MFs, and cariprazine, lurasidone, olanzapine, and ziprasidone for depressive symptoms in depression with MFs. Divalproex may also be efficacious for acute mania with MFs. The few extant maintenance studies suggest that divalproex and olanzapine may have long-term efficacy in those with index MFs or for the prevention of MFs, respectively. The existing evidence suggests that clinicians consider atypical antipsychotics and divalproex for treating acute mixed presentations. However, adequately powered treatment trials-and studies of maintenance and neurostimulation therapies-are needed. Additionally, data-driven techniques to identify relevant symptom clusters may help improve our conceptualization of mixed presentations.

Effectiveness of Sleep Deprivation in Treating Acute Bipolar Depression as Augmentation Strategy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is a disabling disease characterized by the recurrence of mood episodes. Successful strategies for the acute treatment of bipolar depression are still a matter of controversy. Total sleep deprivation (TSD) has shown acute antidepressant effect; however, the prompt relapse of depressive symptoms after sleep recovery has been reported. Taking this into consideration, we aimed to address a twofold research question: what are the acute effects of adding TSD to pharmacological treatment and what are the acute and chronic effects of adding medications to TSD.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for clinical trials assessing bipolar depression and TSD. Two independent reviewers selected and classified 90 abstracts. The outcomes we assessed were change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), sustained long-term response rate, treatment-emergent mania or hypomania, and tolerability (using dropout rates as a proxy). The compared groups were: TSD alone versus TSD plus medications and medications alone versus medications plus TSD. Data was analyzed using Stata 16.0.

RESULTS

Patients treated with TSD plus medications compared with medications alone showed a significant decrease in depressive symptomatology after one week (SMD -0.584 [95% CI -1.126 to -0.042], p = 0.03. Also, a significant decrease in depressive symptomatology (SMD -0.894 [95% CI -1.388 to -0.399], p < 0.001) was found in the group with TSD plus medications compared with TSD alone, at the 10^th day of treatment. We meta-analyzed the long-term effect of the TSD. It showed a sustained antidepressant effect (log OR = 2.365 (95% CI 0.95 to 3.779, p < 0.001) in the group where TSD was combined with medication when compared with patients treated only with TSD. Finally, no differences in tolerability (log OR = 0.234 (95% CI -1.164 to 1.632, p = 0.74) or affective switch were found.

CONCLUSION

Adding TSD to medications to bipolar depression treatment resulted in an augmentation in acute response. We also found that medications have a positive impact in acute response when added to TSD. Furthermore, this higher response rate was maintained after 3 months while keeping Lithium therapy.

Racial disparities in bipolar disorder treatment and research: a call to action

OBJECTIVES

Health disparities between individuals of African and European ancestry are well documented. The disparities in bipolar disorder may be driven by racial bias superimposed on established factors contributing to misdiagnosis, including: evolving empirically based diagnostic criteria (International Classification of Diseases [ICD], Research Diagnostic Criteria [RDC] and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM]), multiple symptom domains (i.e. mania, depression and psychosis), and multimodal medical and additional psychiatric comorbidity.

METHODS

For this paper, we reviewed the phenomenological differences between bipolar individuals of African and European ancestry in the context of diagnostic criteria and clinical factors that may contribute to a potential racial bias.

RESULTS

Published data show that bipolar persons of African ancestry, compared with bipolar persons of non-African ancestry, are more often misdiagnosed with a disease other than bipolar disorder (i.e. schizophrenia). Additionally, studies show that there are disparities in recruiting patients of African ancestry to participate in important genomic studies. This gap in biological research in this underrepresented minority may represent a missed opportunity to address potential racial differences in the risk and course of bipolar illness.

CONCLUSION

A concerted effort by the research community to increase inclusion of diverse persons in studies of bipolar disorder through community engagement may facilitate fully addressing these diagnostic and treatment disparities in bipolar individuals of African ancestry.

Face and predictive validity of the ClockΔ19 mouse as an animal model for bipolar disorder: a systematic review

Mice carrying the circadian locomotor output cycles Kaput delta 19 N-ethyl-N-nitrosoure (ENU) mutation (ClockΔ19) are used as an animal model for bipolar disorder (BD). We aimed to systematically review the face validity (phenotypical and pathophysiological resemblance with BD) and predictive validity (responsiveness to treatments used in BD) of this model in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. We carried out a systematic search of the databases PubMed and Embase, combining search terms covering BD and ClockΔ19. The 22 studies included in the review (from a total of 1281 identified records) show that the behavioral phenotype of the ClockΔ19 mouse is characterized by hyperactivity, decreased anxiety-like behavior, decreased depression-like behavior and increased preference for rewarding stimuli. This is highly consistent with mania in humans. Moreover, the ClockΔ19 mouse exhibits rapid mood cycling (a manic-like phenotype during the day followed by euthymia at night), which is consistent with BD. Chronic administration of lithium, a drug with well established mood-stabilizing effect in humans with BD, reverses the majority of the bipolar-like traits and most of the neurobiological abnormalities observed in the ClockΔ19 mouse. In conclusion, the ClockΔ19 mouse has substantial face validity as an animal model for BD. The predictive validity of the ClockΔ19 mouse has primarily been investigated via studies using lithium challenge. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine how the ClockΔ19 mouse responds to other mood-stabilizing treatments of BD such as valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy and various light interventions.

Advances in Psychiatric Diagnosis: Past, Present, and Future

This editorial examines controversies identified by the articles in this special issue, which explore psychopathology in the broad history of the classification of selected psychiatric disorders and syndromes over time through current American criteria. Psychiatric diagnosis has a long history of scientific investigation and application, with periods of rapid change, instability, and heated controversy associated with it. The articles in this issue examine the history of psychiatric nomenclature and explore current and future directions in psychiatric diagnosis through the various versions of accepted diagnostic criteria and accompanying research literature addressing the criteria. The articles seek to guide readers in appreciating the complexities of psychiatric diagnosis as the field of psychiatry pushes forward toward future advancements in diagnosis. Despite efforts of many scientists to advance a diagnostic classification system that incorporates neuroscience and genetics, it has been argued that it may be premature to attempt to move to a biologically-based classification system, because psychiatric disorders cannot yet be fully distinguished by any specific biological markers. For now, the symptom-based criteria that the field has been using continue to serve many essential purposes, including selection of the most effective treatment, communication about disease with colleagues, education about psychiatric illness, and support for ongoing research.

Bipolarity and suicidal ideation in children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Affective disorders in children and adolescents have received growing attention in the world scenario of mental health. Additionally, there has been an increasing prevalence of suicidal ideation in this population.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to demonstrate the main risk factors regarding the development of suicidal ideation in the bipolar disorder.

METHODS

This is a systematic review with meta-analysis using the PRISMA protocol (http://www.prisma-statement.org/). This study included secondary data. Original data in mental health were collected by mapping the evidence found in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and ScienceDirect in the period from 2005 to 2015.

RESULTS

We found 1418 registrations in such databases, and 46 of them were selected to comprise this review. The result introduces a joint risk between the studies of 2.94 CI [2.29-3.78]. A significant correlation was verified between the risk factors and the suicidal ideation. The result was r (Pearson) = 0.7103 and p value <0.001.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents living with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to suicidal ideation. These results reinforce the need of a more effective public policy directed toward this population.