Bipolar Affective Disorder Research Articles

A Comparative Analysis of the Frequency of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder in Patients with and Without Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that significantly negatively affects a patient’s quality of life. Based on etiopathological characteristics, there is strong evidence of susceptibility to psychological disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, in patients suffering from psoriasis. Objectives: We investigated the frequency of bipolar spectrum disorders in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls in a selected population in Iran. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on two sample groups, with and without psoriasis (50 people in each group). The statistical population included all individuals referred to Shohadaye Tajrish and Taleghani Hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, selected using the available method and assigned to two groups in 2023. The participants were examined for the presence of bipolar spectrum disorders using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS). Results: According to the MDQ questionnaire, the frequency rates of bipolar disorder in the patients and controls were 20% and 40%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.108). Based on the BSDS, the frequency of bipolar disorder in the two groups, with and without psoriasis, was estimated to be 25% and 32.1%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.226). The rate of major depressive disorders was also 22% and 26%, with no significant difference (P = 0.640). Conclusions: Among Iranian patients with psoriasis, the presence of the disease may not be associated with an increased risk of bipolar spectrum disorders.

Pervasive findings of directional selection realize the promise of ancient DNA to elucidate human adaptation.

We present a method for detecting evidence of natural selection in ancient DNA time-series data that leverages an opportunity not utilized in previous scans: testing for a consistent trend in allele frequency change over time. By applying this to 8433 West Eurasians who lived over the past 14000 years and 6510 contemporary people, we find an order of magnitude more genome-wide significant signals than previous studies: 347 independent loci with >99% probability of selection. Previous work showed that classic hard sweeps driving advantageous mutations to fixation have been rare over the broad span of human evolution, but in the last ten millennia, many hundreds of alleles have been affected by strong directional selection. Discoveries include an increase from ∼0% to ∼20% in 4000 years for the major risk factor for celiac disease at HLA-DQB1 ; a rise from ∼0% to ∼8% in 6000 years of blood type B; and fluctuating selection at the TYK2 tuberculosis risk allele rising from ∼2% to ∼9% from ∼5500 to ∼3000 years ago before dropping to ∼3%. We identify instances of coordinated selection on alleles affecting the same trait, with the polygenic score today predictive of body fat percentage decreasing by around a standard deviation over ten millennia, consistent with the "Thrifty Gene" hypothesis that a genetic predisposition to store energy during food scarcity became disadvantageous after farming. We also identify selection for combinations of alleles that are today associated with lighter skin color, lower risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disease, slower health decline, and increased measures related to cognitive performance (scores on intelligence tests, household income, and years of schooling). These traits are measured in modern industrialized societies, so what phenotypes were adaptive in the past is unclear. We estimate selection coefficients at 9.9 million variants, enabling study of how Darwinian forces couple to allelic effects and shape the genetic architecture of complex traits.

Familial coaggregation of major psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders among first-degree relatives of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder

BackgroundAnxiety disorders, major psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and major affective disorders), and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]) may cluster together within families. However, whether the first-degree relatives (FDRs) of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are at an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental or major psychiatric disorders remains unknown. MethodsWe identified 2,378,190 FDRs of patients with GAD and 9,512,760 birth year–matched and sex-matched controls from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, and major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and GAD, were identified. ResultsThe FDRs—parents, offspring, and siblings—of individuals with GAD were more likely to be diagnosed as having schizophrenia (relative risk: 1.22), bipolar disorder (1.36), major depressive disorder (1.29), autism (1.20), ADHD (1.52), obsessive–compulsive disorder (1.21), and GAD (1.61) than are the FDRs of individuals without GAD. ConclusionOur findings support the notion of a familial coaggregation between GAD, major psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies should elucidate the definitive genetic etiology of this familial coaggregation.

Bipolar affective disorder in a patient with neurosarcoidosis – A case report

Bipolar affective disorder in a patient with neurosarcoidosis – A case report

Sex talks-experiences with and barriers to communication about sexuality with healthcare staff among patients with anxiety disorder in Denmark.

Previous research among diverse patient populations suggests that healthcare staff routinely do not talk about sexuality with their patients even when such talks are highly indicated and relevant. In this study we sought to investigate how patients at outpatient anxiety clinics in Denmark experience sexual communication with healthcare staff and what barriers they encounter in this connection. We employed a survey design from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. In collaboration with 11 outpatient anxiety clinics in Denmark, patients with a primary diagnosis of panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder were invited to participate in the study. The final sample included 272 patients. Survey questions were related to sociodemographic characteristics, sexual activity and dysfunctions, pharmacological treatment adherence, anxiety and depression symptoms, and experience with and barriers to sexual communication. For each participant, clinicians at the clinics provided the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnostic codes, medications, and dosage. Study inclusion criteria were not having an organic disorder that may cause anxiety, not having a previous diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia, and the ability to speak and read Danish. Outcomes included patients' experiences with and barriers to sexual communication with healthcare staff. In total, 61% of the patients in this sample group found it relevant to talk to healthcare staff about sexuality but only 28% of the study patients had done so, of whom 83% reported this communication to be a positive experience. The most frequently reported patient barriers to communication with healthcare professionals regarding sexual concerns were a belief that if sexual matters were relevant, the healthcare staff would bring it up (94%), fear of transgressing their own boundaries (94%), embarrassment (92%), and lack of knowledge as to how to start a conversation about sex (91%). The study results indicated a need for healthcare staff to routinely map out and address sexual matters in their clinical work with anxiety patients while bearing in mind the common patient barriers for this topic. This study included a large clinical outpatient sample of anxiety patients and an extensive survey. However, the results may not be generalizable across all anxiety patients or patients in general. The results of this study strongly indicate that a majority of anxiety patients find it both relevant and beneficial to discuss sexual matters with healthcare staff in connection with their anxiety treatment, and therefore healthcare staff should be educated and equipped to routinely address these matters while bearing in mind the most common patient barriers for conversations about sexuality.

Concept article: Antidepressant-induced destabilization in bipolar illness mediated by serotonin 3 receptor (5HT3).

Antidepressants used by patients with bipolar disorder have been associated with destabilization with an increase in mania, depression, and cycling. The most commonly proposed mechanism, that antidepressants 'overshoot' their antidepressant effect to create a manic or mixed state, is unlikely since antidepressants have actually been found to be ineffective in treating bipolar depression. Beginning with known bipolar-specific pathophysiologic abnormalities provides the greatest likelihood of insight. PubMed was queried with 'bipolar', 'sodium', 'intracellular sodium', 'serotonin 3', '5HT3', '5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors', and 'antidepressant' either individually or in combination. Pathologic mood states (both mania and depression) are associated with increased intracellular sodium (Na) concentrations that depolarize the resting membrane potential to increase cellular excitability (mania) or cause depolarization block (depression). Stimulation of the serotonin (5HT) receptors depolarizes the post-synaptic neuron. Stimulation of 5HT3 may be of particular importance since it is coupled to a cation channel that directly depolarizes the membrane. These effects directly impact the physiology of patients with bipolar disorder to alter neuronal excitability in a fashion that worsens both mania and depression. The most consistently observed biological abnormality in individuals going through mania or bipolar depression involves a decline in Na pump activity, with consequent elevation of intracellular Na levels. Antidepressant treatment potentiates this, particularly by activation of 5HT3. This hypothesis can be tested by coadministering a 5HT3 antagonist (e.g., vortioxetine or ondansetron) to achieve blockade of that receptor while treating bipolar depression with a serotoninergic antidepressant.

Disability and Adverse Effects of Oral Versus Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia-Spectrum and Bipolar Disorder: A Comparison Based on Data-Driven Taxonomy.

Patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment for psychiatric disorders may experience challenges in functioning, either stemming from the severity of the illness or from the tolerability issues of prescribed medications. The aims of this cross-sectional study are to investigate the impact of adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs on patients' daily life functioning, comparing oral and long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, and further dividing antipsychotics by receptor-binding profiles based on recently defined data-driven taxonomy. This study involved patients with schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders taking oral or LAI antipsychotics. Disability and functioning levels were assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS), and the adverse effects of medications were evaluated using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale and its subscales. The total sample consisted of 126 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum or bipolar disorder, and included 54 males and 72 females ranging from 18 to 78 years of age (mean45.1, standard deviation 14); 78 patients were taking oral antipsychotics and 48 were taking LAI antipsychotics, with subcategories of muscarinic (31), adrenergic/low dopamine (25), serotonergic/dopaminergic (23), dopaminergic (1), LAI muscarinic (15), LAI adrenergic (6), and LAI serotonergic/dopaminergic (25). The UKU total score for adverse effects showed significant correlations with WHODAS total score (ρ=0.475; p<0.001). Compared with oral antipsychotics, LAIs showed significantly lower scores in psychological (p=0.014), autonomic (p=0.008), other (p=0.004), and sexual adverse effects (p=0.008), as well as the UKU total score (p=0.002). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in adverse effects between LAI and oral muscarinic subgroups, with LAIs having lower scores compared with antipsychotics binding to muscarinic receptors (p=0.043). These findings indicate clinically relevant differences in adverse effects among formulations, warranting further investigation for future observational studies.

Cognitive Impairment and Risk of Depressive Episodes from a Bipolar Spectrum Perspective: A Case-Control Study in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Background: A wide range of conditions, including mixed depressive symptoms, hyperactivity, cognitive impairment (CI) might be expressions of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder (BSD) according to the neo-Kraepelinian perspective, even in advanced age. CI, which has a high prevalence in the elderly population, when it occurs in comorbidity with depression further hinders therapy response and functional ability. The present study aims to explore risk factors associated with CI in elderly individuals experiencing a depressive episode during lockdown a period marked by significant stressors and rhythm disruption. Methods: A case-control study analyzed data from a previous RCT (secondary analyses) on elderly individuals living at home, assessing depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, hyperactivity, and hypertension before (T0) and during lockdown (T1). Results: Participants with lower pre-pandemic cognitive performance were more prone to lockdown depression compared to those with higher baseline function (F = 6.074; p = 0.016). Among those experiencing lockdown depression without prior depression, those with low cognitive performance were more prevalent than the control group without depression (OR = 11.8; p = 0.015). Conclusion: This study highlights a potentially vulnerable subgroup within the elderly population that requires targeted interventions and support during stressful events. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms linking cognitive decline and depression in older adults, particularly those with a possible bipolar spectrum predisposition.

Медико-психологічні предиктори емоційно-поведінкового періоду материнства

Being in a war area or during regular rockets or artillery attacks, the inability to leave the location of a pregnant woman or a woman in postpartum period can affected the psycho-emotional condition of a woman. Therefore, in today's context, attention should be focused on creating predictors and identifying factors that can negatively affect a pregnant woman, the duration of pregnancy and labor, and the postpartum period. During pregnancy, one of the physiological changes in a woman's body is a change in the functioning of the nervous system. This is because during the implantation of the blastocyst, several types of receptors send impulses to the central nervous system, where information is received, scanned and analyzed in the cerebral cortex and produces the phenomenon of increased excitability. As a result of physiological transformations of this increased excitability, due to physiological mechanisms, it is transformed and reduces the excitability of the nervous system for the formation of the embryo and its complementary structures. As a result, pregnant women may experience psycho-emotional changes, sometimes with an unstable duration, mood changes, fatigue or drowsiness, sometimes obsession with pregnancy and worries about the correct growth of the fetus in the womb or various effects or nutritional factors (consumption or exclusion of certain foods or drinks) that may negatively affect it. The factors affecting the psycho-emotional condition during pregnancy (prenatal period) are identified and analyzed: external, social, economic, physiological, psychological, emotional and willed. The factors affecting the psycho-emotional well-being of women in the postnatal period are analyzed: medical, emotional and psychological, and communicative.

Case identification and healthcare utilization in the years prior to a first mania diagnosis

BackgroundThere is limited evaluation of approaches to identify patients with new onset bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) when using administrative datasets. MethodsUsing the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), we identified individuals with a 2016 diagnosis of bipolar disorder with mania and examined patterns of psychiatric and medical care over the preceding 48 months. ResultsAmong 4806 individuals aged 15–35 years with a 2016 BPAD with mania diagnosis, 3066 had 48 months of historical APCD data, and of those, 75 % involved information from ≥2 payors. After excluding individuals with historical BPAD or mania diagnoses, there were 583 individuals whose 2016 BPAD with mania diagnosis appeared to be new (i.e., 34 new diagnoses per 100,000 individuals aged 15–35 years). Most individuals received medical care, e.g., 98 % had outpatient visits, 76 % had Emergency Department (ED) visits, and 50 % had mental health-related ED visits during the 48 months prior to their first mania diagnosis. One-third (37.2 %) had a depressive episode before their initial BPAD with mania diagnosis. LimitationsStudy was conducted in one state among insured individuals. We used administrative data, which permits evaluation of large populations but lacks rigorous, well-validated claims-based definitions for BPAD. There could be diagnostic uncertainty during illness course, and clinicians may differ in their diagnostic thresholds. ConclusionsCareful examination of multiple years of patient history spanning all payors is essential for identifying new onset BPAD diagnoses presenting with mania, which in turn is critical to estimating population rates of new disease and understanding the early course of disease.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning in offspring of parents with a major affective disorder: a meta-analytic review.

Because the offspring of parents with an affective disorder (OAD) are at high risk for developing mental disorders, and persons with an affective disorder (AD) show dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, changes in HPA functioning in OAD might be an etiological risk factor that precedes the development of ADs. The primary aim of the meta-analysis was to quantitatively summarize the existing data on different indices of diurnal cortisol in the OAD. The secondary aim was to explore potential moderators of this relation. Following PRISMA guidelines, we included 26 studies (3052 offspring) on diurnal cortisol in our meta-analysis after an initial screening of 3408 articles. Intercept-only and meta-regression models were computed using the robust variance estimation method. Analyses examining mean cortisol levels at discrete timepoints, total cortisol output, and the cortisol rise in response to awakening (CAR) were conducted separately. The results demonstrated that the OAD had higher mean levels of cortisol at different timepoints throughout the day compared to controls (Hedge's g = 0.21). There was evidence of publication bias in studies examining CAR, such that effect sizes were positively biased. The present findings are consistent with a meta-analysis showing elevated cortisol in youth having an AD. Notable limitations across studies include the method of cortisol measurement and assessment of ADs. Altogether, these results highlight the fact that increased cortisol levels may act as a potential neuroendocrine antecedent and/or risk factor for the development of ADs among high risk youth.

Pharmacotherapy profile for mothers with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in a psychiatric mother–baby unit

AbstractBackgroundPharmacotherapy treatment is used to manage women with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder admitted to a mother–baby unit (MBU).AimThe aims of this study were (1) to examine prescribing practices for women with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in an MBU, (2) to assess alignment with the Mental health care in the perinatal period: Australian clinical practice guideline and (3) to examine the classes of typical and atypical antipsychotics prescribed to mothers with schizophrenia.MethodA retrospective audit of women with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder admitted to a psychiatric MBU, located in Queensland, Australia, was conducted from March 2017–July 2019. The exclusion criteria included women admitted with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and postpartum psychosis. Pharmacotherapy treatment details were extracted at commencement of admission, mid‐way through admission, and discharge. Descriptive statistics were completed. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: EX/2023/QGC/102306). The justification for this exemption was as follows: the study was deemed a quality improvement activity and complied with Chapter 2.3 of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Research and involved only routinely collected data.ResultsOf the 53 mothers included in the study, 29 (55%) had schizophrenia and 24 (45%) had bipolar affective disorder. In addition, 97% of women with schizophrenia received atypical antipsychotics. Five women (21%) with bipolar affective disorder (mean age = 31.60 years, standard deviation = 6.19 years) were prescribed sodium valproate, with four women given contraception. Sodium valproate or lamotrigine were prescribed to four women (67%) with bipolar affective disorder whilst breastfeeding. Of mothers prescribed lithium, 92% did not breastfeed. Overall, 44% of women involuntarily admitted received antipsychotic depot medication compared with 38% of voluntary patients. Results are discussed in relation to the national guidelines.ConclusionThis is the first naturalistic study to examine the pharmacotherapy management of postpartum women admitted to a psychiatric MBU with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. The study highlights that prescribing patterns across three time points during admission were generally in alignment with Australian national guidelines.

Comparative efficacy, safety, and tolerability of pharmacotherapies for acute mania in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study was to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of currently used pharmacological treatments for adults with acute bipolar mania. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) using R software and related packages. We searched primary clinical databases until February 2023 for reports of randomized controlled trials of drug treatments and adjunctive therapies for adults with acute bipolar mania, with outcomes including efficacy (mean change from baseline to endpoint in mania rating scores), safety (clinically significant adverse events from baseline to end of treatment), and tolerability (the proportion of patients who completed the whole trial to the planned endpoint). A total of 113 studies were included in our analysis, in which 23,491 participants (50.38% males; mean age = 38.6 years; mean study duration = 3.39 weeks; mean manic baseline score = 29.37) were randomly allocated to one of 51 monotherapies, adjunctive treatments, or placebo. Our results showed that tamoxifen (mean difference, -22.31 [-25.97, -18.63], N = 2, n1 = 43, n2 = 39) and tamoxifen+ lithium or valproate (LIT/VAL) (-16.37 [-22.55, -10.25], N = 1, n1 = 20, n2 = 20) had the best and second-best clinical efficacy in adults with acute bipolar mania over the placebo. Furthermore, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, risperidone, divalproex, and haloperidol were significantly better tolerated than placebo. Combination therapies of antipsychotics and LIT/VAL appeared to be more effective than their corresponding monotherapies. While pharmacotherapies were associated with specific common adverse events, we found no evidence of increased incidence of headache or depression events compared to the placebo. Overall, our NMAs provided important insights into the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of pharmacological treatments for acute bipolar mania and can help guide treatment decisions for clinicians.

Pharmacological Treatments for Gambling Disorder: A Current Review of Literature

This narrative review aims to examine pharmacological treatment modalities for gambling disorder (GD) by analyzing recent literature and identifying significant trends in the field. A thorough examination of relevant literature, focusing primarily on recent studies and reviews, in order to identify significant pharmacological treatment approaches and current trends. Results: The review identifies several pharmacological approaches for GD, including opioid antagonists, serotonergic agents, dopaminergic modulators, glutamatergic agents, and mood stabilizers. Recent studies suggest that opioid antagonists such as naltrexone and nalmefene show promise in reducing gambling urges and behaviors. Additionally, serotonergic agents like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating the impulsivity and compulsivity associated with GD. Dopaminergic and glutamatergic agents, while showing some potential, require further investigation for their role in GD treatment. Mood stabilizers, particularly lithium, appear to be beneficial, especially in individuals with co-occurring bipolar affective disorder. Pharmacological interventions play a crucial role in the management of GD, with opioid antagonists and SSRIs emerging as promising options. However, further research is needed to elucidate the optimal pharmacotherapeutic approach and develop more targeted treatments for GD. Integration of pharmacotherapy with psychotherapeutic interventions may enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with GD.

Mapping review of register-based cohort studies of bipolar disorder.

Register-based cohorts allow us to better understand bipolar disorder over a life course. They are inclusive and their long-term data collection provides a longer scope than most clinical trials. This mapping review provides an overview of register-based cohort studies of bipolar disorder to inform researchers of the strengths and limitations to this body of research and identify gaps for future research. A systematic search was performed of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Cohort studies were included if they focused on bipolar disorder and had a minimum of 1 year of longitudinal data. Studies needed to be from databases that monitor the whole state or national population. A descriptive analysis of the studies' populations and methodology provides an overview of this field of study and identifies evidence gaps. A hundred and forty-six studies were included. The majority were from databases in Taiwan (n = 63), Denmark (n = 38), Sweden (n = 23), and Finland (n = 11). Forty-eight studies focused on aetiological questions. Sixty prognostic studies identified cohorts with bipolar disorder and described the impact of the illness by considering comorbidity, prescribing patterns, social functioning, and mortality. Thirty-six treatment studies focused on the efficacy and adverse effects of pharmaceuticals and ECT. No studies focused on psychological treatments. Bipolar disorder research should include register-based cohorts with greater geopolitical and cultural diversity. Custodians of health registers should consider how non-pharmaceutical interventions such as psychotherapy are captured. Register-based cohorts investigating treatments of bipolar disorder should consider long-term social outcomes alongside the usual clinical outcomes.

Etiopathogenesis in Neuropsychological Aspects of Mood Disorders and Self-Harming Behavior in Adolescents: A Review

The average prevalence of self-harm in school-age adolescents in the world is 17.20% with bipolar spectrum disorders (37%) apparently higher than among adolescents with depressive disorders (13%). Based on etiopathogenesis, neuropsychological factors are associated with the emergence of mood disorders and self-harm behavior. The method used is the preparation of this article review was carried out through the process of searching, collecting data, and analyzing several articles from Science Direct, Proquest, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. The extracted data were analyzed to summarize the findings related to the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders and self-harm behavior in adolescents reviewed from a neurophysiological aspect. Discussion: Based on the results of the analysis of several articles, the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders and self-harm behavior in adolescents reviewed from a neurophysiological aspect is related to the influence of neurotransmitters and changes in the functional structure of the brain. The related neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, and histamine. In adolescents who are not accompanied by psychological maturity, it can cause conflicts that result in emotional stress and distress as well as the emergence of negative emotions related to changes in brain function and structure related to brain neuroplasticity and disruption of the reward and punishment system in the limbic system.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people living with mental illness: a mixed-methods systematic review

People living with mental illness experience poorer oral health outcomes compared to the general population, yet little is known about their oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to synthesise evidence regarding oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people living with mental illness to inform preventative strategies and interventions. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Scopus with no limitations placed on the year of study. All studies available in the English language, that explored the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and/or practices of people with a mental illness were included. Articles were excluded if they primarily pertained to intellectual disability, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, drug and alcohol or substance use, or eating disorders. A thematic synthesis was undertaken of 36 studies (26 high-moderate quality), resulting in 3 themes and 9 sub-themes. Study participants ranged from n = 7 to n = 1095 and aged between 15–83 years with most having a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or bipolar affective disorder. People diagnosed with a mental illness were found to have limited oral health knowledge, particularly regarding the effects of psychotropic medication. Various barriers to oral health care were identified, including high dental costs, the negative impact of mental illness, dental fears, lack of priority, and poor communication with dental and health care providers. Study participants often displayed a reduced frequency of tooth brushing and dental visits. The findings highlight the potential for mental health care providers, oral health and dental professionals, mental health consumers, and carers to work together more closely to improve oral health outcomes for people with mental illness. The systematic review protocol is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), (registration ID CRD42022352122).

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth with bipolar disorder spectrum disorders and their caregivers

BackgroundLittle is known about rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth with bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD). As such, the aim of this study is to assess rates and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth with BSD and their caregivers in the United States. MethodsYouth and their main caregiver were recruited from a large pragmatic study cohort. Youth who were aged 8–22 at the time of this data collection, had a bipolar-spectrum disorder diagnosis, had overweight or obesity, and were treated with a second-generation antipsychotic were invited to participate in an online survey and interview assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsA total of 453 surveys and 341 interviews were completed 07/2021–05/2022 by youth and their caregivers. Sixty-seven percent of caregivers and 63 % of youth reported receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine uptake rates among youth and caregivers were highly correlated. Predictors of vaccine uptake among youth were older age and living in the Northeast Region of the United States. Predictors of caregiver vaccine uptake were male sex, higher annual household income and not having to quarantine due to COVID-19. LimitationsThe sample was small and not a full representation of a population with bipolar-spectrum disorders therefore, the results may not be generalizable. The study design and statistical method do not allow for causal inferences to be made. ConclusionsThese findings may aid in targeting interventions to maximize COVID-19 and other vaccine uptake in youth with bipolar disorders and their families.

The role of quantitative electroencephalography in diagnostic workup of mental disorders.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool, enabling us to assess the electrical activity of the brain and its disturbance in a great number of psychiatric conditions. This paper provides a narrative overview of the most recent advantages of EEG use in various psychiatric disorders that are associated. This article analyses selected psychiatric disorders. We discussed anxiety disorders characterized by chronic fear, dementia leading to cognitive decline, schizophrenia disrupting logical thinking, bipolar affective disorder with alternating episodes of mania and depression, and depression manifested by gradual loss of vital energy. We have shown that EEG testing, by monitoring the electrical activity of the brain, is a helpful tool in identifying specific brain wave patterns associated with these disorders. In the study of mental illness the EEG variant called quantitative EEG (QEEG) is of particular avail as to the spatial discrimination. QEEG is based on digital coding and transformation according to Fourier algorithm. Recently, even more complex methods of EEG data analysis have been implemented, including artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL) and its branch: machine learning (ML). The use of sophisticated EEG postprocessing adds important information about the pathophysiology of mental disorders. More so, EEG/QEEG recording (in particular spectral analysis), if repeated over time may help to follow up the treatment results and to establish a prognosis as to the course of the given condition. Reliability, safety and availability of EEG makes it to be an indispensable tool in modern psychiatry. Use of EEG, QEEG may lead to faster and more precise differential diagnostic workup. Use of EEG/QEEG changes as an objective outcome measure in clinical trials may support the development of personalized pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy.

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis associated with bipolar affective disorder and mild cognitive disorder

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis associated with bipolar affective disorder and mild cognitive disorder