MicroRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for bipolar disorder

Abnormal expression of microRNAs is connected to brain development and disease and could provide novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of bipolar disorder. We performed a PubMed search for microRNA biomarkers in bipolar disorder and found 18 original research articles on studies performed with human patients and published from January 2011 to June 2023. These studies included microRNA profiling in bloodand brain-based materials. From the studies that had validated the preliminary findings,potential candidate biomarkers for bipolar disorder in adults could be miR-140-3p,-30d-5p,-330-5p,-378a-5p,-21-3p,-330-3p,-345-5p in whole blood, miR-19b-3p,-1180-3p,-125a-5p, let-7e-5p in blood plasma, and miR-7-5p,-23b-5p,-142-3p,-221-5p,-370-3p in the blood serum. Two of the studies had investigated the changes in microRNA expression of patients with bipolar disorder receiving treatment. One showed a significant increase in plasma miR-134 compared to baseline after 4 weeks of treatment which included typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. The other study had assessed the effects of prescribed medications which included neurotransmitter receptorsite binders(drug class B) and sedatives, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, and analgesics(drug class C) on microRNA results. The combined effects of the two drug classes increased the significance of the results for miR-219 and-29c with miR-30e-3p and-526b* acquiring significance. MicroRNAs were tested to see if they could serve as biomarkers of bipolar disorder at different clinical states of mania, depression, and euthymia. One study showed that upregulation in whole blood of miR-9-5p,-29a-3p,-106a-5p,-106b-5p,-107,-125a-3p,-125b-5p and of miR-107,-125a-3p occurred in manic and euthymic patients compared to controls, respectively, and that upregulation of miR-106a-5p,-107 was found for manic compared to euthymic patients. In two other studies using blood plasma,downregulation of miR-134 was observed in manic patients compared to controls, and dysregulation of miR-134,-152,-607,-633,-652,-155 occurred in euthymic patients compared to controls. Finally, microRNAs such as miR-34a,-34b,-34c,-137, and-140-3p,-21-3p,-30d-5p,-330-5p,-378a-5p,-134,-19b-3p were shown to have diagnostic potential in distinguishing bipolar disorder patients from schizophrenia or major depressive disorder patients, respectively. Further studies are warranted with adolescents and young adults having bipolar disorder and consideration should be given to using animal models of the disorder to investigate the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.

COVID-19 pandemic amplified mortality rates among adolescents with bipolar disorder through family-related factors

BACKGROUND Recently,a growing number of adolescents have been afflicted with mental disorders,with annual morbidity rates on the rise.This trend has been exacerbated by the global coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,leading to a surge in suicide and self-harm rates among this demographic.AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent bipolar disorder(BD),along with the underlying factors contributing to heightened rates of suicide and self-harm among adolescents.METHODS A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted utilizing clinical interviews and self-reports obtained from patients or their guardians.Diagnostic criteria for BDs were based on the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders,international classification of diseases-11,and the National institute of mental health research domain criteria.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 software,with significance set at P<0.05.RESULTS A cohort of 171 adolescents diagnosed with BD between January 1,2018,and December 31,2022,was included in the analysis.The gender distribution was 2.8:1(female to male),with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years old.Major factors contributing to adolescent BDs included familial influences,academic stress,genetic predisposition and exposure to school-related violence.Notably,a significant increase in suicide attempts and self-harm incidents was observed among adolescents with BD during the COVID-19 pandemic.Statistical analysis indicated that the pandemic exacerbated familial discord and heightened academic stress,thereby amplifying the prevalence of suicidal behavior and self-harm among adolescents.CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated familial tensions and intensified the incidence of suicide and self-harm among adolescents diagnosed with BD.This study underscores the urgent need for societal,familial and educational support systems to prioritize the well-being of adolescents and offers valuable insights and guidelines for the prevention,diagnosis and treatment of adolescent BDs.

Cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar disorder alone versus those with bipolar disorder comorbid with borderline personality disorder

BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder(BD)is a severe mental illness.BD often coexists with borderline personality disorders,making the condition more complex.AIM To explore the differences in cognitive impairment between patients with BD and those with BD comorbid with borderline personality disorder.METHODS Eighty patients with BD and comorbid borderline personality disorder and 80 patients with BD alone were included in groups A and B,respectively,and 80 healthy volunteers were included as controls.Cognitive function in each group was evaluated using the Chinese version of the repeatable battery for the assess-ment of neuropsychological status(RBANS),the Stroop color-word test,and the Wechsler intelligence scale-revised(WAIS-RC).RESULTS The indices of the RBANS,Stroop color-word test,and WAIS-RC in groups A and B were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Group A had significantly longer Stroop color-word test times for single-character,single-color,double-character,and double-color,lower scores of immediate memory,visual breadth,verbal function dimensions and total score of the RBANS,as well as lower scores of verbal IQ,performance IQ,and overall IQ of the WAIS-RC compared with group B(P<0.05).Compared to group B,group A exhibited significantly longer single-character time,single-color time,double-character time,and double-color time in the Stroop color-word test(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The cognitive function of patients with BD complicated with borderline personality disorder is lower than that of patients with BD.

Evaluating Pharmacological and Rehabilitation Strategies for Effective Management of Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Clinical Study

Bipolar disorder presents significant challenges in clinical management, characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and mania often accompanied by impairment in functioning. This study investigates the efficacy of pharmacological interventions and rehabilitation strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial with multiple treatment arms, participants will receive pharmacotherapy, polypharmacotherapy, rehabilitation interventions, or combination treatments. Outcome measures will be assessed using standardized scales, including the Hamilton Depression Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), and Mania Scale. Preliminary data suggest improvements in symptom severity and functional outcomes with combination treatments. This research aims to inform clinical practice, guide treatment decisions, and ultimately enhance the quality of care for individuals living with bipolar disorder. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences to advance knowledge in this field.

Role of adjunctive nonpharmacological strategies for treatment of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder(RCBD)is a phase of bipolar disorder defined by the presence of≥4 mood episodes in a year.It is a common phenomenon characterized by greater severity,a predominance of depression,higher levels of disability,and poorer overall outcomes.It is resistant to treatment by conventional pharmacotherapy.The existing literature underlines the scarcity of evidence and the gaps in knowledge about the optimal treatment strategies for RCBD.However,most reviews have considered only pharmacological treatment options for RCBD.Given the treatment-refractory nature of RCBD,nonpharmacological interventions could augment medications but have not been adequately examined.This review carried out an updated and comprehensive search for evidence regarding the role of nonpharmacological therapies as adjuncts to medications in RCBD.We identified 83 reviews and meta-analyses concerning the treatment of RCBD.Additionally,we found 42 reports on adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments in RCBD.Most of the evidence favoured concomitant electroconvulsive therapy as an acute and maintenance treatment.There was preliminary evidence to suggest that chronotherapeutic treatments can provide better outcomes when combined with medications.The research on adjunctive psychotherapy was particularly scarce but suggested that psychoeducation,cognitive behavioural therapy,family interventions,and supportive psychotherapy may be helpful.The overall quality of evidence was poor and suffered from several methodological shortcomings.There is a need for more methodologically sound research in this area,although clinicians can use the existing evidence to select and individualize nonpharmacological treatment options for better management of RCBD.Patient summaries are included to highlight some of the issues concerning the implementation of adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments.

Glial Cell-Targeted Treatments for Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Available Data and Clinical Perspectives

This paper is a systematic review of the treatment of bipolar disorder: a systematic Google Scholar search aimed at treatment guidelines and clinical trials. The search for treatment guidelines returned 375 papers and was last performed from June 1, 2022 to August 30, 2022. The literature suggests that lithium helps control and alleviate severe mood episodes, and olanzapine is effective for acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. Achieving effectiveness or remission is better with Cariprazine. Lurasidone improves cognitive performance. Quetiapine improves sleep quality and co-morbid anxiety. Lamotrigine helps delay depression, mania, and mild manic episodes. Antidepressants are best used in conjunction with mood stabilizers. For co-morbid treatment, carbamazepine and lithium in combination are more effective in the treatment of psychotic mania. Co-morbid anxiety treatment considers adjunctive olanzapine or lamotrigine. Co-morbid bulimia treatment considers a mood stabilizer. Co-morbid fatigue treatment considers a dawn simulator. For diet, pay attention to a healthy diet, patients can ingest probiotics and pay attention to the balance of fatty acids.

Antidepressants for bipolar disorder A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, controlled trials

OBJECTIVE： To examine the efficacy and safety of short-term and long-term use of antidepres- sants in the treatment of bipolar disorder. DATA SOURCES： A literature search of randomized, double-blind, controlled trials published until December 2012 was performed using the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The keywords ＂bipolar disorder, bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar mania, bipolar depression, cyclothymia, mixed mania and depression, rapid cycling and bipolar disorder＂, AND ＂antidepressant agent, antidepressive agents second- generation, antidepressive agents tricyclic, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, noradrenaline uptake in- hibitor, serotonin uptake inhibitor, and tricyclic antidepressant agent＂ were used. The studies that were listed in the reference list of the published papers but were not retrieved in the above-mentioned databases were supplemented. STUDY SELECTION： Studies selected were double-blind randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder. All participants were aged 18 years or older, and were diagnosed as having primary bipolar disorder. Antidepressants or antidepressants combined with mood stabilizers were used in experimental interventions. Placebos, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and other antide pressants were used in the control interventions. Studies that were quasi-randomized studies, or used antidepressants in combination with antipsy- chotics in the experimental group were excluded. All analyses were conducted using Review Man- ager 5.1 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Association between gastrointestinal symptoms and affectivity in patients with bipolar disorder

AIM To study if anxiety, depression and experience of stress are associated with gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.METHODS A total of 136 patients with bipolar disorder(mean age 49.9 years; 61% women) and 136 controls from the general population(mean age 51.0 years; 60% women) were included in the study. GI symptoms were assessed with The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-irritable bowel syndrome(GSRS-IBS), level of anxiety and depression with The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) and stress-proneness with Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Over a ten year period, all visits in primary care were retrospectively recorded in order to identify functional GI disorders.RESULTS In subjects with low total HADS-score, there were no significant differences in GI-symptoms between patients and controls(GSRS-IBS 7.0 vs 6.5, P = 0.513). In the patients with bipolar disorder there were significant correlations between all GSRS and HADS subscores for all symptom clusters except for "constipation" and "reflux". Factors associated to GI symptoms in the patient group were female sex(adjusted OR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.07-5.24) and high HADS-Depression score(adjusted OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.07-12.4). These patients had also significantly more visits for IBS than patients with low HADS-Depression scores(29% vs 8%, P = 0.008). However, there was no significant differences in consulting behaviour for functional GI disorders between patients and controls(25% vs 17%, P = 0.108).CONCLUSION Female patients and patients with high HADS depression score reported significantly more GI symptoms, whereas patients with low HADS scores did not differ from control subjects.

Neurochemical metabolites in the medial prefrontal cortex in bipolar disorder A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

The aim of this study was to investigate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolite values in the medial prefrontal cortex of individuals with euthymic bipolar disorder. The subjects consisted of 15 patients with euthymic bipolar disorder type I and 15 healthy controls. We performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and measured levels of N-acetyl aspartate, choline and creatine. Levels of these three metabolites in the medial prefrontal cortex were found to be lower in patients with bipolar disorder compared with healthy controls. A positive correlation was found between illness duration and choline levels in the right medial prefrontal cortex. Our study suggests that during the euthymic period, there are abnormalities in cellular energy and membrane phospholipid metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex, and that this may impair neuronal activity and integrity.

Insights into myelin dysfunction in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are disabling psychiatric disorders with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 1%.Both disorders present chronic and deteriorating prognoses that impose a large burden,not only on patients but also on society and health systems.These mental illnesses share several clinical and neurobiological traits;of these traits,oligodendroglial dysfunction and alterations to white matter(WM)tracts could underlie the disconnection between brain regions related to their symptomatic domains.WM is mainly composed of heavily myelinated axons and glial cells.Myelin internodes are discrete axon-wrapping membrane sheaths formed by oligodendrocyte processes.Myelin ensheathment allows fast and efficient conduction of nerve impulses through the nodes of Ranvier,improving the overall function of neuronal circuits.Rapid and precisely synchronized nerve impulse conduction through fibers that connect distant brain structures is crucial for higher-level functions,such as cognition,memory,mood,and language.Several cellular and subcellular anomalies related to myelin and oligodendrocytes have been found in postmortem samples from patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder,and neuroimaging techniques have revealed consistent alterations at the macroscale connectomic level in both disorders.In this work,evidence regarding these multilevel alterations in oligodendrocytes and myelinated tracts is discussed,and the involvement of proteins in key functions of the oligodendroglial lineage,such as oligodendrogenesis and myelination,is highlighted.The molecular components of the axo-myelin unit could be important targets for novel therapeutic approaches to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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,5th 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.

Psychoeducation in bipolar disorder: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder(BD)is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by mood swings.Psychosocial interventions,such as psychoeducation,play an essential role in promoting social rehabilitation and improving pharmacological treatment.AIM To investigate the role of psychoeducation in BD.METHODS A systematic review of original studies regarding psychoeducation interventions in patients with BD and their relatives was developed.A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline,Scopus,and Lilacs databases.No review articles or qualitative studies were included in the analysis.There were no date restriction criteria,and studies published up to April 2021 were included.RESULTS A total of forty-seven studies were selected for this review.Thirty-eight studies included patients,and nine included family members.Psychoeducation of patients and family members was associated with a lower number of new mood episodes and a reduction in number and length of stay of hospitalizations.Psychoeducational interventions with patients are associated with improved adherence to drug treatment.The strategies studied in patients and family members do not interfere with the severity of symptoms of mania or depression or with the patient's quality of life or functionality.Psychoeducational interventions with family members do not alter patients'adherence to pharmacotherapy.CONCLUSION Psychoeducation as an adjunct strategy to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of BD leads to a reduction in the frequency of new mood episodes,length of hospital stay and adherence to drug therapy.

Cognitive attentional syndrome and metacognitive beliefs as potential treatment targets for metacognitive therapy in bipolar disorder

Most treatment guidelines emphasize the use of psychotropic drugs for both the acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder(BD).However,relying only on psychotropics without adjunctive psychosocial interventions may be insufficient in treating patients with BD.Given its unique view in the explanation of psychopathological states,metacognitive therapy(MCT)might be helpful for BD.Metacognitive theory posits that psychopathology is a result of the cognitive attentional syndrome(CAS)and that it is influenced and maintained by dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs,perseverative thinking,attentional biases,and dysfunctional coping strategies.In this review,literature data regarding these areas in BD are examined.Studies suggest that perseverative thinking might be among the emotion regulation strategies endorsed in individuals with BD.Regarding attentional biases,literature data show that state-dependent,moodchanging attentional biases and a ruminative self-focused attention are present.Studies also suggest that cognitive self-consciousness is higher in BD compared to controls.It is seen that maladaptive coping strategies are frequently reported in BD,and that these strategies are associated with depression severity,negative affect and relapse risk.Studies focusing on dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs in BD reported that individuals with BD had higher scores for negative metacognitive beliefs,self-consciousness,need to control thoughts,and a lack of cognitive confidence.Also,dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs were associated with depressive symptomatology.These findings suggest that the components of CAS and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs are evident in BD.For a subgroup of patients with BD who fail to respond to evidence-based psychopharmacological and adjunctive psychotherapeutic interventions,MCT might be an alternative way to consider as a treatment option.In conclusion,taken the available data together,we propose a sequential treatment protocol for BD,mainly based on the MCT treatment plan of depressive disorders.

Relationship between Serum Uric Acid Level and Clinical Symptom Improvement in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Type I in Their Manic Episode

[Objectives]To evaluate whether the level of serum uric acid in patients with bipolar disorder type I in their manic episode was different from that in healthy subjects,and to evaluate whether the level of serum uric acid is related to the severity of manic episode and the improvement of clinical symptoms.[Methods]A total of 70 patients with bipolar disorder type I in their manic episode were selected,their serum uric acid levels were measured at the beginning of the enrollment and at the end of the first,second and third week,and the clinical symptoms were evaluated with Young Mania Rating Scale(YMRS).65 healthy subjects were enrolled,and their serum uric acid levels were measured only at the beginning of the enrollment.[Results]The level of serum uric acid in patients with bipolar disorder type I in their manic episode was higher than that in healthy adults(t=8.153,p=0.039).At the end of the third week,the YMRS score and uric acid level of the patients were lower than those of the patients at the beginning of the enrollment(t=17.107,p=0.000;t=35.864,p=0.000).[Conclusions]The level of serum uric acid in patients with bipolar disorder type I in their manic episode was higher than that in healthy subjects,and the decrease of serum uric acid level may be related to the improvement of clinical symptoms.

Effects of smartphone-based interventions and monitoring on bipolar disorder:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Recently,there has been a range of studies about smartphone-based interventions and monitoring for reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder(BD).However,their efficacy for BD remains unclear.AIM To compare the effect of smartphone-based interventions and monitoring with control methods in treating patients with BD.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,Embase,Clinical trials,psycINFO,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library.Randomized clinical trials(RCTs)or single-group trials in which smartphone-based interventions and monitoring were compared with control methods or baseline in patients with symptoms of BD were included.Data were synthesized using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model to analyze the effects of psychological interventions and monitoring delivered via smartphone on psychiatric symptoms in patients with BD.The primary outcome measures were set for mania and depression symptoms.Subgroups were created to explore which aspects of smartphone interventions are relevant to the greater or lesser efficacy of treating symptoms.RESULTS We identified ten articles,including seven RCTs(985 participants)and three single-group trials(169 participants).Analysis of the between-group study showed that smartphone-based interventions were effective in reducing manic[g=-0.19,95%confidence interval(CI):-0.33 to-0.04,P=0.01]and depressive(g=-0.28,95%CI:-0.55 to-0.01,P<0.05)symptoms.In within-group analysis,smartphone-based interventions significantly reduced manic(g=0.17,95%CI:0.04 to 0.30,P<0.01)and depressive(g=0.48,95%CI:0.18 to 0.78)symptoms compared to the baseline.Nevertheless,smartphone-based monitoring systems significantly reduced manic(g=0.27,95%CI:0.02 to 0.51,P<0.05)but not depressive symptoms.Subgroup analysis indicated that the interventions with psychoeducation had positive effects on depressive(g=-0.62,95%CI:-0.81 to-0.43,P<0.01)and manic(g=-0.24,95%CI:-0.43 to-0.06,P=0.01)symptoms compared to the controlled conditions,while the interventions without psychoeducation did not(P>0.05).The contacts between therapists and patients that contributed to the implementation of psychological therapy reduced depression symptoms(g=-0.47,95%CI:-0.75 to-0.18,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Smartphone-based interventions and monitoring have a significant positive impact on depressive and manic symptoms of BD patients in between-group and within-group analysis.

Believing processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with bipolar disorder:An exploratory study

BACKGROUND Believing or“credition”refers to psychological processes that integrate the cognitions and emotions that influence our behavior.In the credition model by Angel and Seitz,four parameters are postulated:proposition,certainty,emotion and mightiness.It is assumed that believing processes are influenced by both the individual as well as socio-cultural factors and external circumstances.External or environmental circumstances can include threatening situations such as the ongoing pandemic.It has been hypothesized that believing processes related to the pandemic differ between individuals with bipolar disorder(BD)and healthy controls(HC).AIM To investigate credition in individuals with BD during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.METHODS Psychiatrically stable individuals with BD(n=52)and age-and sex matched HC(n=52)participated in an online survey during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.The survey took place between April 9^(th) and June 4^(th),2020,in Austria.Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18,the Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ,the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale,the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a dedicated Believing Questionnaire assessing four parameters of credition(proposition,certainty,emotion and mightiness).The MAXQDA software was used to analyze the qualitative data.Statistical analyses included analyses of variance,a multivariate analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of co-variance.RESULTS Individuals with BD reported significantly more negative propositions[F(1,102)=8.89,P=0.004,η2 p=0.08]and negative emotions[Welch´s F(1,82.46)=18.23,P<0.001,η2 p=0.18],while HC showed significantly more positive propositions[F(1,102)=7.78,P=0.006,η2 p=0.07]and emotions[F(1,102)=14.31,P<0.001,η2 p=0.12].In addition,individuals with BD showed a higher incongruence between their propositions and their emotions[F(1,102)=9.42,P=0.003,η2 p=0.08]and showed strong correlations between the parameters of the Believing Questionnaire and their psychiatric symptoms(r=0.51-0.77,all P<0.001).Positive as well as negative emotions and propositions were associated with scores measuring symptoms of depression,anxiety and sleep quality.CONCLUSION Believing parameters were associated with psychiatric symptoms in BD during the pandemic.Findings broaden knowledge about the susceptibility of believing processes for ambient challenges in individuals with BD.

Evaluating the emotion regulation of positive mood states among people with bipolar disorder using hierarchical clustering

BACKGROUND People with bipolar disorder(BD)frequently struggle with the recurrence of affective symptoms.However,the interplay between coping mechanism and positive mood state remains under-researched.AIM To explore the associations among behavioral approach system(BAS)sensitivity level,coping,and positive mood states among people with BD.METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design,90 participants with BD were presented with four BAS-activating life event scenarios and assessed with regard to their BAS trait sensitivity,coping flexibility,and mood states.A hierarchical clustering method was used to identify different groups with different styles of coping.Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the mediating and moderating roles of different components of coping on mood states.RESULTS A three-cluster solution was found to best fit the present data set.The findings showed that a low mass of coping combined with low BAS sensitivity level protects people with BD from detrimentally accentuating mood states when they encounter BAS-activating life events.Moreover,coping flexibility is demonstrated to mediate and moderate the relationships between BAS sensitivity level and mood states.Specifically,subduing the perceived controllability and reducing the use of behavioral-activation/emotion-amplifying coping strategies could help buffer the effect of positive affect.CONCLUSION The judicious use of coping in emotion regulation for people with BD when encountering BAS-activating life events was indicated.Practical applications and theoretical implications are highlighted.

Composition of treatment alliance in bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional study of patients' perspectives

BACKGROUND Treatment alliance has an impact on several key patient outcomes in all psychiatric disorders,including bipolar disorder(BD).It has been suggested that the construct of treatment alliance is different among patients from routine psychiatric settings compared to psychotherapeutic settings.However,research on the composition of treatment alliance in psychiatric disorders,such as BD,is relatively limited.AIM To determine whether a broader construct of treatment alliance was prevalent among outpatients with BD.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study,conducted in the psychiatric unit of a multispecialty hospital in north India over 12 mo(September 2018 to September 2019).A consecutive sample of 160 remitted adult outpatients with BD on mood stabilizers for at least a year were selected.The principal instrument to assess treatment alliance was the Working Alliance Inventory-client version(WAIClient).Other potential constituents of the alliance explored were perceived trust in clinicians assessed by the Trust in Physicians(TRIP)scale,perceived support from clinicians assessed by the Psychosocial Care by Physicians(PCP)scale,and perceived treatment satisfaction assessed by the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire(PSQ).Associations between scores on all scales were determined by correlational and multiple regression analyses.Exploratory factor analysis of combined items of all scales was conducted using a principal components analysis.RESULTS Scores on all the three WAI-Client subscales were significantly correlated with each other(r=0.66-0.81;P<0.0001).The total TRIP scores were associated with the total WAI-Client scores(r=0.28;P<0.01).The total TRIP scores and the total PCP scores were also significantly associated with the WAI-Client scores on the Task subscale(r=0.28-0.29;P<0.01).The total TRIP scores were significantly associated with the total PSQ scores(r=0.45;P<0.0001).Factor analysis yielded two independent and coherent factors,which explained 69%of the variance in data.Factor-1(“alliance and support”),which explained about 41%of the variance,was comprised of a combined WAI-Client goal-task-bond component as well as the PCP support items.Factor-2(“trust and satisfaction”),which explained about 28%of the variance,consisted of all the TRIP trust and the PSQ treatment satisfaction items.CONCLUSION A broader construct of treatment alliance in BD was found.Apart from collaborative components,this construct included patients’perceptions regarding trust in clinicians,support from clinicians,and treatment satisfaction.

Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder and their impact on the illness:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Lifetime psychotic symptoms are present in over half of the patients with bipolar disorder(BD)and can have an adverse effect on its course,outcome,and treatment.However,despite a considerable amount of research,the impact of psychotic symptoms on BD remains unclear,and there are very few systematic reviews on the subject.AIM To examine the extent of psychotic symptoms in BD and their impact on several aspects of the illness.METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed.An electronic literature search of six English-language databases and a manual search was undertaken to identify published articles on psychotic symptoms in BD from January 1940 to December 2021.Combinations of the relevant Medical Subject Headings terms were used to search for these studies.Articles were selected after a screening phase,followed by a review of the full texts of the articles.Assessment of the methodological quality of the studies and the risk of bias was conducted using standard tools.RESULTS This systematic review included 339 studies of patients with BD.Lifetime psychosis was found in more than a half to two-thirds of the patients,while current psychosis was found in a little less than half of them.Delusions were more common than hallucinations in all phases of BD.About a third of the patients reported first-rank symptoms or mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms,particularly during manic episodes.Psychotic symptoms were more frequent in bipolar type I compared to bipolar type II disorder and in mania or mixed episodes compared to bipolar depression.Although psychotic symptoms were not more severe in BD,the severity of the illness in psychotic BD was consistently greater.Psychosis was usually associated with poor insight and a higher frequency of agitation,anxiety,and hostility but not with psychiatric comorbidity.Psychosis was consistently linked with increased rates and the duration of hospitalizations,switching among patients with depression,and poorer outcomes with mood-incongruent symptoms.In contrast,psychosis was less likely to be accompanied by a rapid-cycling course,longer illness duration,and heightened suicidal risk.There was no significant impact of psychosis on the other parameters of course and outcome.CONCLUSION Though psychotic symptoms are very common in BD,they are not always associated with an adverse impact on BD and its course and outcome.

Medication non-adherence in bipolar disorder: Review of rates, demographic and clinical predictors

AIM To conduct a systematic search for all studies examining rates and demographic and illness-related determinantsof medication non-adherence in bipolar disorder(BD).METHODS A comprehensive literature search was undertaken of six English-language databases to identify published articles on medication non-adherence in BD from inception till December 2016. Any article, either a review or an original-research article was examined for its relevance to the subject. All such articles were manually searched to locate any further articles containing relevant information. Studies were included only if they had adequately described the patient sample, assessment methods and statistical procedures, presented their results systematically and their conclusions were congruent with the results.RESULTS The initial search yielded 249 articles on the subject; of these 198 articles were included. Of the 162 originalresearch studies, 132 had provided information on rates of medication non-adherence in BD. There was a wide variation in rates ranging from universal adherence(100%) to almost universal non-adherence(96%); this discrepancy was more due to methodological differences than true variations in rates. Notwithstanding the significant discrepancies in methodology, based on these 132 studies mean rates of 41.5%-43% and median rates of 40%-41% were obtained for medication non-adherence in BD. Rates of adherence with mood stabilizers were significantly lower than those for antipsychotics, or for medications of all classes. None of the demographic attributes were unequivocally linked to medication non-adherence in BD. Similarly, medication-related variables such as type of medications, doses, treatment regimens and side effects did not demonstrate consistent associations with non-adherence. Among clinical characteristics the presence of comorbid substance use disorder and absence of insight were the only two factors clearly linked to non-adherence in BD.CONCLUSION Medication non-adherence is prevalent in about a thirdto half of patients with BD. Demographic, illness and treatment related factors do not predict non-adherence with certainty.