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Social competence in schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and negative and non-negative schizophrenia.

Social skill and role functioning were assessed in matched groups of patients with DSM-III-R schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Schizophrenics were categorized as negative syndrome or non-negative on the basis of the SANS. The negative schizophrenics were significantly more impaired on almost every measure of social functioning. The other three groups were not consistently different from one another. The results suggest that when patients are comparable on dimensions such as duration and severity of illness, schizoaffectives do not occupy an intermediate position between schizophrenics without negative syndrome and bipolar patients. Rather, the three groups exhibit similar degrees of social disability. In contrast, negative syndrome schizophrenics were more impaired even when they were similar in chronicity and severity.

Adult↗

Efficacy of risperidone treatment for psychoses associated with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or senile dementia in 11 geriatric patients: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials of risperidone, a recently approved novel antipsychotic, included elderly healthy patients, but more data are needed on the effects of risperidone in this population, especially those with comorbid medical illnesses. METHOD: Risperidone was used to treat 11 elderly hospitalized patients between 61 and 79 years of age who manifested signs of psychoses related to schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or senile dementia. All patients had been treated previously with classic antipsychotics. Response was assessed by clinical observation of the patients' behavior. RESULTS: Eight patients responded to treatment, 1 did not respond, and 2 had treatment discontinued because of hypotension or dizziness. Positive and negative symptoms decreased markedly in 7 of the responding patients. Four patients had preexisting extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia that also decreased in response to risperidone treatment. In addition, 4 patients were able to discontinue anti-parkinsonian medications, and 2 were able to discontinue antihypertensive medications. Side effects related to blockade of dopamine, histamine, and serotonin were negligible. No adverse consequences occurred when electroconvulsive therapy, carbamazepine, or lithium was given concurrently. CONCLUSION: The reduction of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and the lack of significant EPS, tardive dyskinesia, sedation, and anticholinergic side effects indicate that risperidone is a safe and effective medication for the elderly.

Aged↗

Two-dimensional assessment of cytoarchitecture in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia: evidence for decreased neuronal somal size and increased neuronal density.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of cortical neuronal organization and reductions in neuronal somal size have been reported in schizophrenia. The purpose of this investigation was to assess patterns of neuronal and glial distribution in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD), and normal control subjects (15 subjects per group). METHODS: Estimates for neuronal somal and glial nuclear size and density were obtained. We employed two-dimensional morphometric analysis to examine the location of neurons and glia in a 1000-microm-wide strip of cortex. RESULTS: A decreased clustering of neurons was seen in BPD (p =.001). No other group differences were observed in the clustering of neurons, glia, or of neurons about glia. Neuronal somal size was reduced in layer 5 in schizophrenia (18%, p =.001), BPD (16%, p <.001), and MDD (9%, p =.01). Neuronal density was increased in layer 6 in BPD (63%, p =.004) and schizophrenia (61%, p =.006) and in layer 5 in MDD (24%, p =.018) and schizophrenia (33%, p =.003). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that reduced neuronal somal size and increased neuronal density in cortical layers 5 and 6 of the ACC may be key features of schizophrenia, MDD, and BPD.

Adult↗

The density and spatial distribution of GABAergic neurons, labelled using calcium binding proteins, in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence for the presence of a deficit in cortical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in schizophrenia. In this investigation we have used the calcium binding proteins (CBPs) parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and calbindin-D28K (CB) as markers of these neuronal populations, and have characterized their pattern and density in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: We examined the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in four groups of 15 brains each from subjects with schizophrenia, MDD, and BPD, and from control subjects. Using immunocytochemistry to identify these distinct neuronal populations, we quantified their areal density and spatial pattern organization. RESULTS: There were reductions in the density of CB-labeled neurons in layer 2 in schizophrenia (34%; p =.04) and BPD (33%; p =.05) compared with control subjects; however, after correction for multiple comparisons these findings no longer attained formal statistical significance. We observed no differences in the density of the neuronal populations labeled by CR or PV in any layer of the cortex in any disorder compared with control subjects. There was increased clustering among PV-labeled neurons in BPD compared with control subjects but no significant differences in the spatial organization of the other neuronal subpopulations in any disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides some support for the presence of a deficit in GABAergic neurons in schizophrenia and shows that these changes are not specific to schizophrenia. The findings indicate that there may be a pathophysiological condition, shared by subjects with schizophrenia and BPD, which operates to selectively reduce the number or protein expression of CB-immunoreactive neurons.

Adult↗

Diagnosis of bipolar disorders: focus on bipolar disorder I and bipolar disorder II.

Bipolar disorders are currently divided into 4 entities: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). These subtypes of bipolar disorders cover a spectrum of severities, frequencies, and durations of manic and depressive symptoms. The differential diagnosis among these and with regard to other disorders with similar symptom features remains the foundation for treatment of bipolar disorders. It is clear that much diversity exists within these major subtypes, such that designations like "rapid cycling" and "bipolar III" are being put forward and probed for clinical relevance. Some of the concerns and advantages of including these less-established manifestations of bipolar disorders in our diagnostic thinking are discussed here, and the utility and drawbacks of our current diagnostic protocols are considered.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Genetic linkage in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is an etiologically complex syndrome that is clearly heritable. Multiple genes, working singly or in concert, are likely to cause susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder genetics has progressed rapidly in the last few decades. However, specific causal genetic mutations for bipolar disorder have not been identified. Both candidate gene studies and complete genome screens have been conducted. They have provided compelling evidence for several potential bipolar disorder susceptibility loci in several regions of the genome. The strongest evidence suggests that bipolar disorder susceptibility loci may lie in one or more genomic regions on chromosomes 18, 4, and 21. Other regions of interest, including those on chromosomes 5 and 8, are also under investigation. New approaches, such as the use of genetically isolated populations and the use of endophenotypes for bipolar disorder, hold promise for continued advancement in the search to identify specific bipolar disorder genes.

Animals↗

Costs of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic affective disorder that causes significant economic burden to patients, families and society. It has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1.3%. Bipolar disorder is characterised by recurrent mania or hypomania and depressive episodes that cause impairments in functioning and health-related quality of life. Patients require acute and maintenance therapy delivered via inpatient and outpatient treatment. Patients with bipolar disorder often have contact with the social welfare and legal systems; bipolar disorder impairs occupational functioning and may lead to premature mortality through suicide. This review examines the symptomatology of bipolar disorder and identifies those features that make it difficult and costly to treat. Methods for assessing direct and indirect costs are reviewed. We report on comprehensive cost studies as well as administrative claims data and program evaluations. The majority of data is drawn from studies conducted in the US; however, we discuss European studies when appropriate. Only two comprehensive cost-of-illness studies on bipolar disorder, one prevalence-based and one incidence-based, have been reported. There are, however, several comprehensive cost-of-illness studies measuring economic burden of affective disorders including bipolar disorder. Estimates of total costs of affective disorders in the US range from $US30.4-43.7 billion (1990 values). In the prevalence-based cost-of-illness study on bipolar disorder, total annual costs were estimated at $US45.2 billion (1991 values). In the incidence-based study, lifetime costs were estimated at $US24 billion. Although there have been recent advances in pharmacotherapy and outpatient therapy, hospitalisation still accounts for a substantial portion of the direct costs. A variety of outpatient services are increasingly important for the care of patients with bipolar disorder and costs in this area continue to grow. Indirect costs due to morbidity and premature mortality comprise a large portion of the cost of illness. Lost workdays or inability to work due to the disease cause high morbidity costs. Intangible costs such as family burden and impaired health-related quality of life are common, although it has proved difficult to attach monetary values to these costs.

Adolescent↗

Comorbid Tourette's disorder and bipolar disorder: an etiologic perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Using an epidemiologic approach, the authors attempt to elucidate relationships between Tourette's disorder and bipolar disorder. METHOD: Of 205 patients with Tourette's disorder in the North Dakota Longitudinal Tourette Syndrome Surveillance Project, 15 had comorbid bipolar disorder. A subset of the patients with Tourette's disorder had been included in earlier population-based prevalence studies of Tourette's disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. Minimal risk ratios were calculated for the patients with Tourette's disorder plus bipolar disorder by age group (children/adolescents and adults). This information was used to estimate genetic risk indicators for comorbid Tourette's disorder and bipolar disorder. RESULTS: The estimated risk of developing bipolar disorder among the study group of children, adolescents, and adults with Tourette's disorder was more than four times higher than the level expected by chance, but this finding did not reach statistical significance. It was indicative of trends, however. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity between Tourette's disorder and bipolar disorder does not appear to be due to chance co-occurrence of the two disorders. Although a genetic mechanism may play a causal role, in the absence of family studies an explanatory model involving the concept of canalization of basal-ganglia-mediated dysfunctions is offered. In such a construct, Tourette's disorder would be a likely accompaniment to other conditions, including bipolar disorder, whose pathogenic determinants might channel through neural pathways involving the basal ganglia. The presence of significant developmental disabilities may further enhance factors culminating in comorbid Tourette's disorder and bipolar disorder.

Adolescent↗

Neurochemical predictors of response to pharmacologic treatments for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a common psychiatric disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and often depression. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are first-line pharmacologic options for patients with bipolar disorder. However, the exact mechanisms by which these medications exert the mood stabilizing effects are unknown. Additionally, individuals with bipolar disorder often try several medications unsuccessfully before achieving mood stabilization. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive neuroimaging technique that can be used to identify the neurochemical effects and predictors of response to medications commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. MRS may facilitate targeted treatment interventions and decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this illness. Examining the mechanisms of action of pharmacologic agents used to treat bipolar disorder may clarify the neurophysiologic basis of bipolar disorder. We will review recent MRS investigations that have evaluated the neurochemical effects of pharmacologic treatments and predictors of treatment response in patients with bipolar disorder.

Antimanic Agents↗

Diagnostic issues in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent and chronic psychiatric condition that shortens life expectancy, causes functional impairment and disruption to social, work and family life. Several forms of bipolar disorder are recognised, including both bipolar I and bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I is characterised by recurrent episodes of depression and mania whereas bipolar II disorder is characterised by recurrent depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania. There has been debate concerning the definition of hypomania since at least the 1970s. The main areas of argument focus on the minimum duration of hypomania, its stem criteria and the number of symptoms required for diagnosis. Arriving at the correct definition of hypomania is a key diagnostic issue. There is increasing evidence for the existence of a broad spectrum of bipolar disorders, and data demonstrating the clinical validity of modifying some of the criteria for hypomania are reviewed here.

Bipolar Disorder↗

[Bipolar disorder with late onset: an organic variety of mood disorder?].

Bipolar disorder (BD) is commonly associated with late adolescence or early adulthood, although a substantial proportion of patients develops the condition in later life. The results of early clinical investigations suggested that cases of bipolar disorder with onset in later life were more often associated with 'organic causes', and could potentially justify the distinction between early and late onset bipolar disorder. This paper reviews currently available evidence in support of the organic hypothesis for late onset bipolar disorder. It concludes that the split of bipolar disorder according to age at onset is artificial, and lacks clinical significance and epidemiological support.

Adult↗

Polytherapy in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a life-long condition that is associated with frequent recurrence/relapse of symptoms. Although putative mood stabilisers, such as lithium, are considered to improve the natural course of bipolar disorder, complete long-term remission is rarely achieved. In order to effectively control mood symptoms and to reduce relapse, clinicians often use polypharmacy to treat patients with bipolar disorder. In this article, we examine the recent literature on treatment strategies in bipolar disorder to determine if combination treatments provide additional benefit over monotherapy for the management of various phases of bipolar disorder. The evidence suggests that for acute mania a combination of lithium or valproate and an atypical antipsychotic is the most effective approach, with approximately 20% more patients responding to the combination than to monotherapy with any antimanic agent. Few studies have examined the use of combination therapy in comparison to monotherapy for bipolar depression. The limited evidence suggests that lithium plus an antidepressant appears to be more effective than lithium alone in those with lower serum lithium concentrations. Similarly, the combination of olanzapine plus fluoxetine is more effective than olanzapine alone. There is consensus that antidepressant monotherapy is not appropriate because of concerns of a manic switch, but monotherapy with lithium or lamotrigine may be adequate for mild to moderate bipolar depression. For maintenance treatment, commonly used agents, such as lithium, valproate or olanzapine appear to be most effective in preventing manic relapses, whereas lamotrigine is more effective in preventing depressive relapses. As a result of these findings, it makes intuitive sense to combine lamotrigine with lithium, valproate or an atypical antipsychotic to achieve better mood stability. However, the efficacy and safety of such combinations have not been systematically compared with monotherapy. Preliminary studies suggest that lithium plus valproate may be more effective than lithium alone in preventing affective relapses. Similarly, the combination of lithium or valproate plus olanzapine seems to be more effective than monotherapy with a mood stabiliser in preventing manic episodes.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Pathways to care for patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, debilitating psychiatric illness with serious ramifications for patients, their families, and society. Despite the availability of effective treatments, this disease often goes untreated due to medical, financial, legal/governmental, and cultural barriers. In this review we explore possible reasons for this problem. Misdiagnosis of bipolar disorders is a common medical barrier. One pathway to care for individuals with bipolar disorder is through referral from primary care, but primary care physicians generally have not received special training in the recognition and management of bipolar disorder. This often leads to diagnostic delays or errors, which prevents timely 'filtering' of patients into specialized care. Using data bases we explored these pathways. Legislation in the USA, such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), designed to ensure access to inpatient mental health care, has instead given hospitals financial incentives to limit inpatient mental health care capacities. Reimbursement of mental health care expenses is a significant issue impacting a patient's ability to gain access to care, as bipolar disorder is a costly disease to treat. Improving access to care among the bipolar community will require multilateral strategies to influence the actions and attitudes of patients, communities, providers, health care systems, and state/national governments. In other cultures, barriers to care differ according to a number of factors such as type of services, explanatory models of illness, misdiagnosis and perceptions of care givers. It is essential that clinicians are aware of pathways and barriers so that appropriate and accessible care can be provided.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Pharmacogenetics and mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric disease characterized by varying treatment response among individual patients. Effects of certain treatments, for instance, lithium, can be predicted from clinical characteristics of patients and their family histories. This led to a suggestion that a treatment response could identify subtypes of bipolar disorder particularly suited for gene-mapping studies. In this paper we review family and molecular studies of bipolar disorder responsive to lithium, as well as studies aiming to identify polymorphisms associated with the treatment response itself. While molecular genetic research and gene expression studies promise to bring new insights into the pathophysiology of the illness and the nature of treatment response, and thus provide new information for better treatment of bipolar disorder in the future, results from family studies and studies of clinical correlates of treatment response may already be utilized in the management of bipolar disorder.

Affect↗

Calming the bipolar storm: treating acute mania and mixed episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a seriously debilitating psychiatric disorder that greatly affects patients and their loved ones. Although bipolar disorder is one of the most frequently occurring mental disorders worldwide, many patients, particularly those with mixed mania, remain misdiagnosed. Compared to pure mania, mixed episodes of bipolar disorder present with symptoms that can be more challenging to treat. However, proper diagnosis and early treatment can usually alter the course of the illness, and remission is certainly possible. This expert roundtable supplement reviews the differences between acute manic and mixed episodes in patients with bipolar disorder, explains proper dosing and the advantages of different dosage formulations, and identifies the rationale for monotherapy and combination therapy in these patient populations. The aim is to educate clinicians about ways to diagnose and treat the mood state aggressively and safely, especially in light of the many new treatment options available.

Acute Disease↗