Articles tagged with Bipolar Disorder
A new clinical research study is comparing the effectiveness of two medications, quetiapine and lithium, in treating bipolar disorder. The study, funded by a $10 million grant from AHRQ, aims to improve long-term treatment for patients with bipolar disorder.
Researchers at Indiana University suggest that postural control problems may be a core feature of bipolar disorder, affecting areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The study found that participants with bipolar disorder displayed increased postural sway, particularly when eyes were closed.
A new study led by Concordia University suggests that children of parents with bipolar disorder are more sensitive to stress due to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to anxiety and was previously found to be higher in these children, but this study is the first to show its role in mood disorders.
Researchers found a single trial supporting aripiprazole for maintenance therapy, but its limitations constrain interpretation. The trial had short duration and low participant completion rates, casting doubt on its effectiveness.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that 50% of patients with bipolar disorder experience work, social, or family disabilities. Factors associated with these disabilities include high recurrence of maniac episodes, recurrent psychiatric hospitalization, depression, and low educational levels.
A study of nearly 2,700 adults with bipolar disorder found a genetic risk factor on chromosome 2 associated with increased attempts at self-harm. Genetic variants in the region were linked to a higher likelihood of attempting suicide, with those having two copies being almost three times as likely.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized susceptibility factor for bipolar disorder, with genetic variation in the neurocan (NCAN) gene associated with an increased risk. The findings suggest that NCAN variants may disturb neuronal processes in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to cognitive deficits.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation linked to bipolar disorder, suggesting that Piccolo contributes to the condition. The study used postmortem tissue and genome-wide association studies to find this link.
A mega-analysis of brain imaging data found that individuals with bipolar disorder who took lithium had increased hippocampal and amygdala volumes compared to those not taking the medication. Lithium treatment also restored cerebral volume reductions associated with longer illness duration.
The Bipolar CHOICE trial will evaluate the real-world advantages and disadvantages of quetiapine compared to lithium for treating outpatients with bipolar disorder. The study aims to inform day-to-day practice in psychiatry with a focus on effectiveness, not just comparing treatments.
A study examining over 3 million veterans found that those with bipolar disorder were more likely to die by suicide than any other psychiatric diagnosis. The risk was highest in men with bipolar disorder, followed by depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD.
A team led by UC San Diego aims to study the genetic bases of bipolar disorder and lithium treatment through a 5-year project, expanding the NIH's Pharmacogenomics Research Network. The goal is to identify key genetic markers to personalize treatment and improve patient outcomes.
A single ketamine dose significantly reduces depressive symptoms within 40 minutes in patients with bipolar disorder who have not responded to other treatments. Approximately 71% of participants experienced a response to ketamine, highlighting its potential as a rapid-acting therapy for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Researchers found that an enzyme called prolyl oligopeptidase controls a set of genes related to lithium sensitivity in bipolar patients. This discovery could lead to better understanding of the illness and more effective treatments.
A recent study by MSU psychiatrist Dale D'Mello found that nearly half of patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder also suffer from high blood pressure. The study discovered a link between the severity of bipolar disorders and the level of mania experienced by patients with hypertension.
Researchers have found that lithium reduces brain inflammation by increasing levels of anti-inflammatory DHA and decreasing pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid. This dual mechanism may explain why lithium is effective in treating bipolar disorder, and could lead to additional therapeutic uses.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that patients over-diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to receive disability payments for a longer period. The researchers propose a link between the two, suggesting that clinicians may over-diagnose bipolar disorder in complex, chronically ill patients seeking secondary gain.
A new pediatric DSM category, Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), aims to better reflect symptoms of children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the authors argue that this change alone is not enough to promote flourishing in troubled children and may even lead to increased medication use.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan is leading a research project to identify genetic links to psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He will analyze DNA from four families with a high number of affected members to uncover rare genetic variants and compare them to unrelated samples.
A study of copy number variations in the genome found no significant link between these changes and common diseases. However, rare genetic variants and epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in disease susceptibility. The research suggests that focusing on other genetic variations may lead to important advances in human health.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine found that phenytoin modulates gene expression in rats with bipolar disorder, including genes involved in neurotransmission and neuroprotection. The findings suggest that chronic phenytoin administration may have mood-stabilizing effects.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital has found that a widely-used screening tool for bipolar disorder may incorrectly identify borderline personality disorder. The research team tested the accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and found that it misidentified patients with borderline personality disorder, leading to potent...
Troubled children diagnosed with bipolar disorder may benefit from alternative diagnoses like Severe Mood Dysregulation or Temper Dysregulation Disorder. The Hastings Center researchers recommend reframing the diagnosis and treatment approach to address family and social contexts.
Researchers have discovered a possible biomarker for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using electroretinography, suggesting retinal deficits contribute to perceptual problems. This finding highlights the importance of considering subtle visual issues in individuals with these conditions.
Two Brown University faculty members are awarded federal funding to investigate brain development in infants and children with bipolar disorder. The research aims to identify biological and behavioral markers that distinguish between full-blown and sub-syndromal bipolar disorder, which could lead to more specific diagnoses and treatment.
Research found four alterations in RORB gene associated with pediatric bipolar disorder, linking circadian rhythm abnormalities to the condition. The study suggests that clock genes may be important candidates for further investigation into bipolar disorder's molecular basis.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that nearly half of young adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder between ages 18-25 may recover by age 30. The study suggests a possible link to brain development and social changes during emerging adulthood.
A follow-up study found that patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or impulse control disorders. The researchers analyzed 82 psychiatric outpatients who received a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which was not confirmed through the Structured Cl...
A multi-national group of investigators discovered that nearly a third of schizophrenia's genetic basis may be attributed to thousands of common genetic variants. These variants add up to a significant risk for developing both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A new study found that approximately 10% of children with bipolar disorder experience irritable-only mania, and these participants are significantly younger than those with elation-only or both symptoms. The study suggests that irritability should be included in the diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that patients with bipolar disorder incur significantly higher specialty care costs compared to those with diabetes, depression, asthma, or coronary artery disease. Specialty care costs were especially high for bipolar patients, suggesting non-mental health provider-related expenses contribute to the disparity.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert C. Young are conducting studies to investigate the effects of medications on older adults with bipolar depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The studies focus on quetiapine and lamotrigine, and will help better manage care for geriatric bipolar patients.
Researchers at Cardiff University have identified a key molecule involved in Lithium's action on the brain. Increasing IMPase levels can lead to higher PIP3 production, which is reduced by Lithium treatment.
Children and teens of parents with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing bipolar spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders, according to a study. The risk is higher for those with two parents having bipolar disorder, with an increased likelihood of early-onset bipolar disorder and mood disorders.
Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of premature death from medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The study found that the risk is similar for men and women, with endocrine problems also contributing to the increased mortality rate.
A large-scale study of 9 million Swedish individuals reveals that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share common genetic causes, with heritability rates of 64% and 59%, respectively. This finding challenges the long-held distinction between the two conditions, suggesting a reappraisal of their diagnostic entities.
Researchers at Indiana University have created a comprehensive map of genes likely involved in bipolar disorder, identifying hundreds of genes that contribute to the illness. The study also lays the groundwork for personalized treatments and preventive measures using genetic risk scores.
Researchers found that patients with bipolar disorder have a poorer quality of life than the general population, with factors such as early onset, long-term illness, and tobacco dependence contributing to this effect. In contrast, social support from family can improve quality of life.
A study of 115 children with bipolar disorder found that nearly half continued to experience manic episodes as adults and showed similar rates of substance use disorders. The findings support the existence of child bipolar disorder and highlight the need for further research on its neurobiology and prevention strategies.
A study found that GSK-3-beta is crucial for normal mouse embryonic heart development. Mice lacking this protein died prematurely due to cardiac defects and liver degeneration. The findings suggest caution when considering new GSK-3 inhibitors in women of childbearing age.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that adding N-acetyl cysteine to usual treatment improved depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving brain glutathione metabolism.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-focused therapy, combined with medication, significantly reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with bipolar disorder. The treatment was shown to lead to faster recovery from depressive episodes and improved quality of life.
A recent study found that children born to older fathers are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 patients with bipolar disorder, suggests that advancing paternal age may be associated with an increased risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
The ECNP consensus statement on bipolar depression highlights the disease's significant impact on functioning, social relationships, and employment. Early onset of bipolar disorder is associated with a severe burden of disease, particularly during acute depressive episodes.
A large genetic analysis implicates machinery involved in sodium and calcium balance in brain cells in bipolar disorder. Variation in two genes showed the strongest association with bipolar disorder.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a core set of genes involved in nervous system development and cell death. This common genetic signature may provide a window into discovering new brain mechanisms and effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology consensus statement highlights differences between unipolar and bipolar depression in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. The statement aims to optimize pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes for patients with bipolar depression.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers found that bipolar disorder is being overdiagnosed, with 43.4% of patients not receiving a valid diagnosis. This can lead to unnecessary medication side effects, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic methods.
Researchers found that tamoxifen significantly reduced mania scores and improved patient outcomes in a three-week clinical trial. The study suggests that tamoxifen's effects on protein kinase C may be beneficial for treating bipolar disorder.
Researchers identify distinct biochemical profile in patients with bipolar disorder, suggesting a balance of neurotransmitters is disrupted. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective treatments using mood-stabilizing drugs like lithium and valproic acid.
A study found that bright light therapy can ease symptoms of bipolar depression in some patients, with optimal response observed at midday. Six out of nine women treated achieved full recovery from depressive symptoms, highlighting the potential of light therapy as an augmentation strategy for improving treatment response.
Research suggests that maintaining consistent sleep schedules and regular physical activity can help balance the circadian system and reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. Studies found that patients who participated in interpersonal and social rhythm therapy experienced longer periods without new episodes of mania or depression.
Researchers found brain size differences between adolescents with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as between boys and girls. Puberty may contribute to these changes, suggesting sex hormones influence brain development and potentially informing treatment approaches.
Researchers found increased brain activity in children with bipolar disorder when encoding happy faces and irritability when angry faces, suggesting a neural basis for mania. The study also revealed reduced memory for emotional faces in children with bipolar disorder compared to typically developing peers.
A new study shows that tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, dramatically reduces manic symptoms of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications. Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called protein kinase C, which is thought to be over-active during the manic phase.
A new study is providing highly successful parenting skills to parents with bipolar disorder, using the Triple P Positive Parenting Programme. The program has been shown to improve behavior in children and increase parental confidence, particularly for those experiencing instability of mood and behavior.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a substantial increase in office-based visit diagnoses for bipolar disorder among youth from 1994 to 2003. This growth was accompanied by rising prescription rates for mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
The study found that the number of office visits resulting in a bipolar disorder diagnosis for youths ages 19 and younger increased from 25 per 100,000 people in 1994-1995 to 1,003 per 100,000 people in 2002-2003. In contrast, adults saw a rise from 905 per 100,000 people to 1,679 per 100,000 people over the same period.
A preliminary study of 85 patients with bipolar disorder shows that modafinil can improve depressive symptoms, with 44% of participants reporting improved symptoms and 39% experiencing remission after six weeks.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.