scholarly journals Bipolar affective disorder: A review of novel forms of therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewelina Dziwota ◽  
Barbara Drapala ◽  
Magdalena Gaj ◽  
Nikodem Skoczen ◽  
Marcin Olajossy

Abstract Normothymic, antidepressant and antipsychotic pharmaceutics are, in accordance with international guidelines, employed both in the therapy and the prevention of bipolar disorder (BD). Long-term studies on the mechanisms of action of such medications, as well as on the pathogenetic background of BD, have led to the discovery of effective, albeit unconventional pharmacotherapeutic approaches. These methods have the potential to successfully treat mania and depression, as well as to counter affective episode relapse. Allopurinol - commonly used to treat gout, secondary hyperuricemia and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, acts by inhibiting the synthesis of uric acid, levels of which are often increased in manic patients. Due to this, an evaluation of the potential effect of allopurinol on the reduction of mania symptoms seems to be reasonable. Additionally, the numerable research papers coming out of research regarding the role of purine neurotransmitters in mood alterations, indicate that adenosine agonists act analogously to dopamine antagonists. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a supporting agent in the pharmacotherapy of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, substantially accelerates mood stabilization in patients. In turn, memantine, known for its procognitive effect, not only has antimanic and normothymic properties, but also boosts the neuroprotective action of traditional lithium therapy. In view of the latest opinions, the subtle pro-inflammatory process is typical for the pathophysiology of bipolar disease. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (a popular analgesic, antipyretic and antiphlogistic agent) may be useful in BD therapy. This is because that, via its effect upon cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ASA modulates leukocyte recruitment in neuro-inflammation. Apart from the above-mentioned medications, this article introduces the results of recent investigations of ketamine, modafinil and tamoxifen, including their receptor mechanisms, as well as certain genetic aspects or elements of their pharmacodynamics, for use in BD therapy. We put forward that, possibly, more insightful cognition of these drugs will allow significant enrichment in the range of pharmacotherapy for BD in the near future.

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesc Colom ◽  
Dominic Lam

AbstractBackgroundA relevant paradigm shift in the treatment of bipolar disorder started a few years ago; crucial findings on the usefulness of psychological interventions clearly support switching from an exclusively pharmacological therapeutic approach to a combined yet hierarchical model in which pharmacotherapy plays a central role, but psychological interventions may help cover the gap that exists between theoretical efficacy and “real world” effectiveness. Hereby we review the efficacy of several adjunctive psychotherapies in the maintenance treatment of bipolar patients.MethodsA systematic review of the literature on the issue was performed, using MEDLINE and CURRENT CONTENTS databases. “Bipolar”, “Psychotherapy”, “Psychoeducation”, “Cognitive-behavioral” and “Relapse prevention” were entered as keywords.ResultsPsychological treatments specifically designed for relapse prevention in bipolar affective disorder are useful tools in conjunction with mood stabilizers. Most of the psychotherapy studies recently published report positive results on maintenance as an add-on treatment, and efficacy on the treatment of depressive episodes. Interestingly, several groups from all over the world reported similar positive results and reached very similar conclusions; almost every intervention tested contains important psychoeducative elements including both compliance enhancement and early identification of prodromal signs — stressing the importance of life-style regularity — and exploring patients' health beliefs and illness-awareness.ConclusionsThe usefulness of psychotherapy for improving treatment adherence and clinical outcome of bipolar patients is nowadays unquestionable, and future treatment guidelines should promote its regular use amongst clinicians. As clinicians, it is our major duty, to offer the best treatment available to our patients and this includes both evidence-based psychoeducation programs and newer pharmacological agents.


2011 ◽  
Vol 199 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip B. Mitchell ◽  
Andrew Frankland ◽  
Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic ◽  
Gloria Roberts ◽  
Justine Corry ◽  
...  

BackgroundAlthough genetic epidemiological studies have confirmed increased rates of major depressive disorder among the relatives of people with bipolar affective disorder, no report has compared the clinical characteristics of depression between these two groups.AimsTo compare clinical features of depressive episodes across participants with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder from within bipolar disorder pedigrees, and assess the utility of a recently proposed probabilistic approach to distinguishing bipolar from unipolar depression. A secondary aim was to identify subgroups within the relatives with major depression potentially indicative of ‘genetic’ and ‘sporadic’ subgroups.MethodPatients with bipolar disorder types 1 and 2 (n = 246) and patients with major depressive disorder from bipolar pedigrees (n = 120) were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. Logistic regression was used to identify distinguishing clinical features and assess the utility of the probabilistic approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups within the major depressive disorder sample.ResultsBipolar depression was characterised by significantly higher rates of psychomotor retardation, difficulty thinking, early morning awakening, morning worsening and psychotic features. Depending on the threshold employed, the probabilistic approach yielded a positive predictive value ranging from 74% to 82%. Two clusters within the major depressive disorder sample were found, one of which demonstrated features characteristic of bipolar depression, suggesting a possible ‘genetic’ subgroup.ConclusionsA number of previously identified clinical differences between unipolar and bipolar depression were confirmed among participants from within bipolar disorder pedigrees. Preliminary validation of the probabilistic approach in differentiating between unipolar and bipolar depression is consistent with dimensional distinctions between the two disorders and offers clinical utility in identifying patients who may warrant further assessment for bipolarity. The major depressive disorder clusters potentially reflect genetic and sporadic subgroups which, if replicated independently, might enable an improved phenotypic definition of underlying bipolarity in genetic analyses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaki Nishioka ◽  
An-a Kazuno ◽  
Takumi Nakamura ◽  
Naomi Sakai ◽  
Takashi Hayama ◽  
...  

AbstractBipolar disorder is a severe mental illness characterized by recurrent manic and depressive episodes. To better understand its genetic architecture, we analyze ultra-rare de novo mutations in 354 trios with bipolar disorder. For germline de novo mutations, we find significant enrichment of loss-of-function mutations in constrained genes (corrected-P = 0.0410) and deleterious mutations in presynaptic active zone genes (FDR = 0.0415). An analysis integrating single-cell RNA-sequencing data identifies a subset of excitatory neurons preferentially expressing the genes hit by deleterious mutations, which are also characterized by high expression of developmental disorder genes. In the analysis of postzygotic mutations, we observe significant enrichment of deleterious ones in developmental disorder genes (P = 0.00135), including the SRCAP gene mutated in two unrelated probands. These data collectively indicate the contributions of both germline and postzygotic mutations to the risk of bipolar disorder, supporting the hypothesis that postzygotic mutations of developmental disorder genes may contribute to bipolar disorder.


REVISTA FIMCA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pâmela Gomes Artioli ◽  
Natiely Souza Lima ◽  
Camila Silva

Introdução: Com o passar dos anos, além de doenças laborais físicas, surge um novo cenário de doenças emocionais que vem afetando gradativamente profissionais da área da docência a pesquisa em questão visou identificar os transtornos mentais que mais provocam afastamento de docentes em instituições de ensino superior, (com ênfase no transtorno bipolar), onde contribuiu para se aprofundar a análise de fatores relacionados a esse tipo de transtorno. Objetivos: os objetivos deste estudo, são de realizar análise crática e reflexiva quanto ao número elevado de professores de ensino superior com o Transtorno Afetivo Bipolar, e a relação dos fatores associados a este impedimento dos profissionais, destacar também questões relativas à saúde mental, e identificar quais são as consequências que implicam na rotina de trabalho desses professores e o aumento de docentes com diagno?stico de Transtorno Bipolar. Materiais e Métodos: Quanto à fundamentação teórica, trata-se de um referencial bibliográfico ao passo que utiliza de literaturas científicas disponibilizadas por meio eletrônico. Utilizando-se como técnica de análise de dados a análise de conteúdo interpretativa. Os critérios de inclusão que foram usados são: publicações em português, entre os anos de 2000 a 2018 disponíveis na íntegra. Conclusão: Por fim chegou-se ao entendimento de que além da sobrecarga os docentes remanescentes, o adoecimento crescente dos profissionais da educação compromete a qualidade de vida desses profissionais. Introduction: Over the years, in addition to physical work-related illnesses, a new scenario of emotional diseases emerges that has gradually affected professionals in the teaching area. The research in question aimed at identifying the mental disorders that cause the most withdrawal of teachers in higher education institutions, (with emphasis on bipolar disorder), where it contributed to deepen the analysis of factors related to this type of disorder. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to perform a critical and reflexive analysis regarding the high number of teachers of higher education with Bipolar Affective Disorder, and the relation of the factors associated with this impediment of the professionals, also highlight issues related to mental health, and identify what are the consequences that imply in the work routine of these teachers and the increase of teachers diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Materials and Methods: Regarding the theoretical basis, it is a bibliographical reference while using scientific literatures made available electronically. The analysis of interpretive content was used as data analysis technique. The inclusion criteria that were used are: publications in Portuguese, between the years 2000 to 2018 available in full. Conclusion: Finally, it was understood that in addition to overloading the remaining teachers, the growing sickness of education professionals compromises the quality of life of these professionals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Kurtz ◽  
Pia Mohring ◽  
Katharina Förster ◽  
Michael Bauer ◽  
Philipp Kanske

Abstract Background This study aimed to compile and synthesize studies investigating explicit emotion regulation in patients with bipolar disorder and individuals at risk of developing bipolar disorder. The importance of explicit emotion regulation arises from its potential role as a marker for bipolar disorders in individuals at risk and its potent role in therapy for bipolar disorder patients. Methods To obtain an exhaustive compilation of studies dealing specifically with explicit emotion regulation in bipolar disorder, we conducted a systematic literature search in four databases. In the 15 studies we included in our review, the emotion-regulation strategies maintenance, distraction, and reappraisal (self-focused and situation-focused) were investigated partly on a purely behavioral level and partly in conjunction with neural measures. The samples used in the identified studies included individuals at increased risk of bipolar disorder, patients with current affective episodes, and patients with euthymic mood state. Results In summary, the reviewed studies' results indicate impairments in explicit emotion regulation in individuals at risk for bipolar disorder, patients with manic and depressive episodes, and euthymic patients. These deficits manifest in subjective behavioral measures as well as in neural aberrations. Further, our review reveals a discrepancy between behavioral and neural findings regarding explicit emotion regulation in individuals at risk for bipolar disorders and euthymic patients. While these groups often do not differ significantly in behavioral measures from healthy and low-risk individuals, neural differences are mainly found in frontostriatal networks. Conclusion We conclude that these neural aberrations are a potentially sensitive measure of the probability of occurrence and recurrence of symptoms of bipolar disorders and that strengthening this frontostriatal route is a potentially protective measure for individuals at risk and patients who have bipolar disorders.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Robert M. Post ◽  
Heinz Grunze

Childhood onset bipolar disorder (CO-BD) presents a panoply of difficulties associated with early recognition and treatment. CO-BD is associated with a variety of precursors and comorbidities that have been inadequately studied, so treatment remains obscure. The earlier the onset, the longer is the delay to first treatment, and both early onset and treatment delay are associated with more depressive episodes and a poor prognosis in adulthood. Ultra-rapid and ultradian cycling, consistent with a diagnosis of BP-NOS, are highly prevalent in the youngest children and take long periods of time and complex treatment regimens to achieve euthymia. Lithium and atypical antipsychotics are effective in mania, but treatment of depression remains obscure, with the exception of lurasidone, for children ages 10-17. Treatment of the common comorbid anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, pathological habits, and substance abuse are all poorly studied and are off-label. Cognitive dysfunction after a first manic hospitalization improves over the next year only on the condition that no further episodes occur. Yet comprehensive expert treatment after an initial manic hospitalization results in many fewer relapses than traditional treatment as usual, emphasizing the need for combined pharmacological, psychosocial, and psycho-educational approaches to this difficult and highly recurrent illness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Pilhatsch ◽  
Thomas J Stamm ◽  
Petra Stahl ◽  
Ute Lewitzka ◽  
Anne Berghöfer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Symptoms of anxiety co-occur in a variety of disorders including in depressive episodes of bipolar disorder and in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Treatment of refractory bipolar disorder with supraphysiologic doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) has been shown to improve the phenotypic expression of the disorder and is associated with an increase of circulating thyroid hormones. However, it might be associated with somatic and mental adverse effects. Here we report the investigation of the influence of treatment with supraphysiologic doses of L-T4 on symptoms of anxiety in patients with refractory bipolar depression. Methods Post-hoc analysis from a 6-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of supraphysiologic L-T4 treatment on anxiety symptoms in bipolar depression. Anxiety symptoms were measured weekly with the Hamilton anxiety/somatization factor (HASF) score of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the State- and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results Treatment of both groups was associated with a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001) with no statistical difference between groups (LT-4: from 5.9 (SD = 2.0) at baseline to 3.7 (SD = 2.4) at study end; placebo: from 6.1 (SD = 2.4) at baseline to 4.4 (SD = 2.8) at study end; p = 0.717). Severity of anxiety at baseline did not show a statistically significant correlation to the antidepressive effect of treatment with supraphysiologic doses of L-T4 (p = 0.811). Gender did not show an influence on the reduction of anxiety symptoms (females: from 5.6 (SD = 1.7) at baseline to 3.5 (SD = 2.4) at study end; males: from 6.1 (SD = 2.3) at baseline to 4.0 (SD = 2.4) at study end; p = 0.877). Conclusions This study failed to detect a difference in change of anxiety between bipolar depressed patients treated with supraphysiologic doses of L-T4 or placebo. Comorbid anxiety symptoms should not be considered a limitation for the administration of supraphysiologic doses of L-T4 refractory bipolar depressed patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01528839. Registered 2 June 2012—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01528839


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (S5) ◽  
pp. 13-14
Author(s):  
Adele C. Viguera

AbstractThe presentations and clinical courses of patients with bipolar disorder differ greatly by gender. In addition, medical therapy must be tailored differently for men and women because of emerging safety concerns unique to the female reproductive system. In November 2005, these topics were explored by a panel of experts in psychiatry, neurology, and reproductive health at a closed roundtable meeting in Dallas, Texas. This clinical information monograph summarizes the highlights of that meeting.Compared to men with bipolar disorder, women have more pervasive depressive symptoms and experience more major depressive episodes. They are also at higher risk for obesity and certain other medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Mood changes across the menstrual cycle are common, although the severity, timing, and type of changes are variable. Bipolar disorder is frequently associated with menstrual abnormalities and ovarian dysfunction, including polycystic ovarian syndrome. Although some cases of menstrual disturbance precede the treatment of bipolar disorder, it is possible that valproate and/or antipsychotic treatment may play a contributory role in young women.Pregnancy does not protect against mood episodes in untreated women. Maintenance of euthymia during pregnancy is critical because relapse during this period strongly predicts a difficult postpartum course. Suspending therapy in the first months of pregnancy may be an option for some women with mild-to-moderate illness, or those with a long history of euthymia during pre-pregnancy treatment. However, a mood stabilizer should be reintroduced either in the later stages of pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Preliminary data suggest that fetal exposure to some mood stabilizers may raise the risk of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental delays. For women planning to become pregnant, clinicians may consider switching to other drugs before conception. The value and drawbacks of breastfeeding during treatment must be considered in partnership with the patient, with close monitoring of nursing infants thereafter. The risks and benefits of medical treatment for women with bipolar disorder should be carefully reconsidered at each stage of their reproductive lives, with a flexible approach that is responsive to the changing needs of patients and their families.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 502-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Alexander Wittekind ◽  
Janek Spada ◽  
Alexander Gross ◽  
Tilman Hensch ◽  
Philippe Jawinski ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cilly Klüger Issler ◽  
Emel Serap Monkul ◽  
José Antonio de Mello Siqueira Amaral ◽  
Renata Sayuri Tamada ◽  
Roseli Gedanke Shavitt ◽  
...  

Issler CK, Monkul ES, Amaral JAMS, Tamada RS, Shavitt RG, Miguel EC, Lafer B. Bipolar disorder and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder is associated with higher rates of anxiety and impulse control disorders.Objective:Although bipolar disorder (BD) with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is highly prevalent, few controlled studies have assessed this comorbidity. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and expression of comorbid disorders in female BD patients with OCD.Method:We assessed clinically stable female outpatients with BD: 15 with comorbid OCD (BD+OCD group) and 15 without (BD/no-OCD group). All were submitted to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, with additional modules for the diagnosis of kleptomania, trichotillomania, pathological gambling, onychophagia and skin picking.Results:The BD+OCD patients presented more chronic episodes, residual symptoms and previous depressive episodes than the BD/no-OCD patients. Of the BD+OCD patients, 86% had a history of treatment-emergent mania, compared with only 40% of the BD/no-OCD patients. The following were more prevalent in the BD+OCD patients than the BD/no-OCD patients: any anxiety disorder other than OCD; impulse control disorders; eating disorders; and tic disorders.Conclusion:Female BD patients with OCD may represent a more severe form of disorder than those without OCD, having more depressive episodes and residual symptoms, and being at a higher risk for treatment-emergent mania, as well as presenting a greater anxiety and impulse control disorder burden.


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