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Benjamin I Goldstein

Publications and source records attributed to Benjamin I Goldstein.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Psychiatric Polygenic Risk Scores and Week-by-Week Symptomatic Status in Youth with Bipolar Disorder: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Prior studies have demonstrated that, in both adults and youth, bipolar disorder (BD) is a polygenic illness. However, no studies have examined polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in relation to the longitudinal course of mood symptoms in youth with BD. Methods: This study included 246 youth of European ancestry with BD (7-20 years old at intake) from the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study and Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder. Mood symptom severity was assessed at intake and, for 168 participants, prospectively for a median of 8.7 years. PRSs for BD, schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were constructed using genome-wide summary statistics from independent adult cohorts. Results: Higher BD-PRS was significantly associated with lower most severe lifetime depression score at intake (β = -0.14, p = 0.03). Higher SCZ-PRS and MDD-PRS were associated with significantly less time spent in euthymia (SCZ-PRS: β = -0.21, p = 0.02; MDD-PRS: β = -0.22, p = 0.01) and more time with any subsyndromal mood symptoms (i.e., any mania, mixed, or depression symptoms; SCZ-PRS: β = 0.15, p = 0.04; MDD-PRS: β = 0.17, p = 0.01) during follow-up. PRSs for BD and ADHD were not significantly associated with any longitudinal mood variable. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis was the first to examine psychiatric PRSs in relation to the prospective course of mood symptoms among youth with BD. Results from the current study can serve to guide future youth BD studies with larger sample sizes on this topic.

Humans↗

Is current alcohol consumption associated with increased lifetime prevalence of major depression and suicidality? Results from a pilot community survey.

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol use disorders are associated with increased illness severity and suicidality in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about how alcohol use across the continuum relates to MDD. METHOD: Subjects were 496 adults (201 men, 295 women) who completed a community-based telephone survey that incorporated a validated structured diagnostic interview for depression and a validated alcohol questionnaire. Subjects were divided into 3 alcohol consumption groups based on Canadian low-risk drinking guidelines: minimal (MIN), moderate (MOD), and heavy (HVY) alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Among subjects with MDD, drinking group was not associated with measures of disability, health service use, or life satisfaction. Among all women, the prevalence of depression increased significantly across drinking groups (MIN, 24.6%; MOD, 30.3%; HVY, 44.0% [linear-by-linear association chi(2) = 4.1, df = 1, P < .05]), as did the prevalence of suicidality among women with MDD (MIN, 16.3%; MOD, 29.6%; HVY, 45.5% [chi(2) = 4.5, df = 1, P < .05]). CONCLUSION: A range of alcohol consumption, not just heavy drinking, may be associated with major depression and suicidality.

Adult↗

Further evidence for a developmental subtype of bipolar disorder defined by age at onset: results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between age at onset of bipolar I disorder and illness characteristics among adults in a community sample. METHOD: The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions identified 1,411 adults with bipolar disorder. For analyses, bipolar disorder subjects were divided into three age at onset groups: childhood (less than 13 years old, N=113), adolescence (13-18 years old, N=339), and adulthood (19 years or older, N=959). RESULTS: Nonremitting bipolar disorder was most prevalent among childhood-onset subjects, and childhood-onset subjects were most likely to experience prolonged episodes. Antisocial personality disorder was most prevalent among childhood-onset subjects. Drug use disorders were more prevalent among childhood-onset and adolescent-onset, as compared with adult-onset, subjects. Prevalence of mixed episodes or irritability did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings corroborate clinical studies: illness characteristics among adults with childhood-onset bipolar disorder are similar to those described in children with bipolar disorder.

Adolescent↗

Comorbidity in bipolar disorder among the elderly: results from an epidemiological community sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine psychiatric comorbidity among elderly individuals with bipolar disorder. METHOD: An epidemiological community survey identified 84 elderly (ages >/=65) respondents with bipolar disorder, 1,327 younger adults with bipolar disorder, and 8,121 elderly respondents without bipolar disorder. RESULTS: Elderly respondents with bipolar disorder reported lifetime and 12-month rates of comorbid alcohol use disorders (38.1%, 38.1%, respectively), dysthymia (15.5%, 7.1%), generalized anxiety disorder (20.5%, 9.5%), and panic disorder (19.0%, 11.9%) that were significantly higher than among elderly respondents without bipolar disorder. They had lower lifetime and 12-month rates of alcohol use disorders and lower 12-month rates of dysthymia and panic disorder than younger adults with bipolar disorder. Elderly men with bipolar disorder reported a greater prevalence of alcoholism; women reported a greater prevalence of panic disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid axis I disorders, including panic disorder, are common among elderly individuals with bipolar disorder.

Adult↗

Pharmacotherapy of alcoholism in patients with co-morbid psychiatric disorders.

There has been an exponential increase in recent years of literature pertaining to the treatment of individuals with alcohol use disorders and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Patients with mood and anxiety disorders in particular have a very high prevalence of alcoholism. Alcoholism confers significant morbid risks to patients with psychiatric disorders, and vice versa, including markedly increased risk of suicide. Only recently have studies examined the impact of various psychiatric medications on alcohol use among patients with these disorders. Evidence supporting the benefits of antidepressants for co-morbid alcoholism and depression continues to mount. Although these studies have demonstrated benefits in terms of quantitative decreases in the volume and frequency of consumption, the benefits in terms of remission from alcoholism have yet to be shown conclusively. The first randomised, controlled trial involving subjects with co-morbid alcoholism and bipolar disorder was recently conducted, yielding promising results for valproate in this population. The literature regarding co-morbid alcoholism and anxiety disorders has also seen recent progress, particularly in the study of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A placebo-controlled study of sertraline suggests some benefit in terms of alcohol use among individuals with early-onset PTSD and less severe alcohol dependence. Atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and quetipaine have been examined in several open studies of subjects with alcoholism co-morbid with a variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia. This paper selectively reviews the evidence that is currently available for the pharmacological management of alcoholism among persons with co-morbid psychiatric illness. Effectiveness, safety and tolerability are considered, and directions for future study are discussed.

Alcoholism↗

The association between moderate alcohol use and illness severity in bipolar disorder: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of alcohol consumption with symptoms, illness course, and health care utilization among non-alcoholic patients with bipolar disorder. METHOD: Subjects were 148 patients with bipolar I or II disorder enrolled in a longitudinal study of cognitive-behavioral therapy versus psychoeducation. Subjects were 18 to 60 years old, in full or partial remission, and non-heavy drinkers with no history of substance use disorders. At least 4 weeks of consistent naturalistic treatment with mood stabilizer was required for enrollment. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania, and the Khavari Alcohol Test. Data were gathered from July 2002 to December 2004. RESULTS: Mean weekly alcoholic beverage consumption was minimal among both men (3.8 standard drinks, SD = 8.9) and women (1.2 standard drinks, SD = 1.9). Nonetheless, total alcohol consumption among men was associated with lifetime manic episodes (F = 10.2, df = 1, p = .003) and emergency department visits (F = 4.3, df = 1, p = .046). Spirits consumption among men was strongly associated with lifetime manic episodes (F = 81.8, df = 1, p < .001) and emergency department visits (F = 14.0, df = 1, p < .001). Among women, the frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with lifetime episodes of depression (F = 15.5, df = 1, p < .001) and hypomania (F = 4.8, df = 1, p < .03). Wine consumption among women was associated with lifetime hypomanic episodes (F = 13.6, df = 1, p < .001) and current manic symptoms (F = 4.0, df = 1, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Despite low volumes of consumption, alcohol was associated with measures of illness severity in bipolar disorder among both men and women. The adverse effects of alcohol on bipolar disorder may occur over a range of consumption, rather than being confined to heavy drinkers.

Adult↗

Factors associated with temporal priority in comorbid bipolar I disorder and alcohol use disorders: Results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare illness characteristics, comorbidities, treatment utilization, and family history among individuals with comorbid bipolar I disorder and alcohol use disorders (AUD) based on temporal priority of onset. METHOD: The 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions identified respondents with lifetime comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD for whom AUD were antecedent (Alcohol First; N = 311), the onset of the 2 conditions occurred in the same year (Same Year; N = 113), or bipolar I disorder was antecedent (Bipolar First; N = 233). Diagnoses were generated using the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version. This study examined between-group differences in bipolar I- and AUD-related variables. RESULTS: Bipolar First respondents were most likely to experience prolonged manic episodes. There were no differences in the 12-month prevalence of bipolar I disorder among respondents with prior history of bipolar I disorder. The 12-month prevalence of AUD among respondents with prior history of AUD was lower among Alcohol First respondents compared to Same Year or Bipolar First respondents. Same Year respondents were most likely to seek AUD treatment and reported comparatively short latency between onset and treatment of both bipolar I disorder and AUD. The prevalence of family history of comorbid depression and AUD was greatest among Same Year respondents. Same Year respondents also showed the lowest prevalence of anxiety disorders. Overall psychosocial functioning was similar across groups. CONCLUSION: Temporal priority in comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD is associated with several significant between-group differences in features of bipolar I disorder and AUD severity, treatment utilization, other comorbidities, and family history. Same-year onset of bipolar I disorder and AUD may be a marker of a specific subtype of bipolar I-AUD comorbidity. Potential implications of these findings are discussed.

Adult↗

A gender-focused perspective on health service utilization in comorbid bipolar I disorder and alcohol use disorders: results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares health service utilization by individuals with comorbid lifetime bipolar I disorder and lifetime alcohol use disorders (AUD) to that of individuals with either diagnosis alone, using nationally representative data. METHOD: The 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions was used to identify respondents with bipolar I disorder only (BD-only; N = 636), AUD only (N = 11,068), and comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD (BD-AUD; N = 775). Diagnoses were generated using the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version. The 3 groups were compared with respect to self-reported health service utilization. RESULTS: For both men and women, respondents in the BD-AUD group were significantly more likely than AUD-only respondents to report any alcohol-related service utilization (p < .001). BD-AUD respondents were significantly more likely to report bipolar disorder-related hospital admissions as compared with BD-only respondents among males only (p = .009). Within the BD-AUD group, males reported significantly greater utilization of AUD treatment only (p < .001), and females reported significantly greater utilization of bipolar disorder treatment only (p < .001) and significantly greater likelihood of utilizing mental health services overall (p < .001). There was no gender difference in the proportion of respondents who utilized both AUD and bipolar disorder services. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, individuals with comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD utilize significantly more mental health services than individuals with either disorder alone. The primary original finding is that among those with comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD, bipolar I disorder is more likely to go untreated among males and AUD is more likely to go untreated among females. Gender may be an important factor to consider in future health service planning for comorbid bipolar I disorder and AUD.

Adult↗

Depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption among nonalcoholic depression patients treated with desipramine.

OBJECTIVE: There are few data addressing the effect of alcohol consumption on response to antidepressants among nonalcoholics with depression. Similarly, the effect of antidepressant treatment on alcohol consumption in this group is not yet understood. This study focuses on changes in depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption in response to treatment with desipramine. METHOD: Twenty-seven nonalcoholic outpatients with major depression (as determined by the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime Version) completed measures of depression (that is, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory) and alcohol consumption at intake and after 5 weeks of open treatment with desipramine. Subjects were characterized as minimal or mild-to-moderate drinkers. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to effectiveness of antidepressant treatment. Analysis for repeated measures demonstrated that alcohol consumption with desipramine was significantly lower after treatment than at intake (F = 4.8, df 23:2, P < 0.01). Further, carbohydrate consumption was also significantly lower after treatment than at intake (F = 4.4, df 23:2, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Desipramine treatment appeared to result in decreases in alcohol consumption in nonalcoholic patients with depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the effect of alcohol consumption on the course and outcome of major depressive illness among nonalcoholics as well as the effect of antidepressant medication on alcohol consumption in this population.

Adult↗