INTRODUCTION Bipolar disorder is a relapsing-remitting condition affecting approximately 1-2% of the population. Even when the treatments available are effective, relapses are still very frequent. Therefore, the burden and cost associated to every new episode of the disorder have relevant implications in public health. The main objective of this study was to estimate the associated health resou...

CONTEXT Children and adolescents who present with manic symptoms frequently do not meet the full DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder (BP-I). OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical presentation and family history of children and adolescents with BP-I, bipolar II disorder (BP-II), and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS). DESIGN Subjects and their primary caretaker were assessed by ...

Method: Cognitive functions were examined in 30 patients with bipolar disorder aged 18–68 who fulfilled DSMIV criteria for a depressive episode (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≥11) and 30 patients aged 23– 68 who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for a manic or hypomanic episode (Young Mania Rating Scale ≥11). The comparison group consisted of 30 healthy individuals aged 23–71 with no history o...

We investigated associations between sleep, illness course, and concurrent symptoms in 21 participants with bipolar disorder who were inter-episode. Sleep was assessed using a week-long diary. Illness course and symptoms were assessed via validated semi-structured interviews. Lower and more variable sleep efficiency and more variable total wake time were associated with more lifetime depressive...

Clinical Problem Mr J is a 44-year-old man who experienced a manic episode 8 years earlier. He discontinued sodium valproate maintenance therapy, because of weight gain, after about 1 year of medication use. He is presently experiencing his first major depressive episode, which is moderately severe in intensity. Mr J is reluctant to accept quetiapine because of the risks of sedation and weight ...

Editorial The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has broadened the criteria for specified bipolar disorders with the introduction of the diagnostic category of ‘other specified bipolar and related disorders’ (DSM-5: 296.89). In a prior editorial, we critically discussed how the way we diagnose bipolar disorders may impact treatment decisions, espe...

BACKGROUND In a previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing lithium with placebo as a long-term treatment in bipolar disorders, we observed a clear preventative effect for manic episodes; however, the effect was equivocal for depressive episodes. Since then, the evidence base has grown further. In this update, we furthermore present the data on efficacy of lithium in compar...

OBJECTIVES To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pharmacological and/or psychosocial interventions for the prevention of relapse in people with bipolar disorder. DATA SOURCES Major electronic databases were searched up to September 2005. REVIEW METHODS Systematic reviews were undertaken on the clinical and economic effectiveness of treatments. An analysis was per...