Bipolar Disorder

Some thoughts on the pathogenesis and persistence of prevalence of schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in view of current discoveries.

Whatever the etiology, some extreme views come very close to the behaviors of bipolar mania, as illustrated in a recent documentary.

Let us look at two major trends in our evolving understanding of this complex mood disorder and its treatment, to wrap up 2018 and to consider the year ahead.

Coenzyme Q10-a nutrient that has improved well-being, vitality, and energy in small studies of patients with breast cancer, the elderly, and veterans-was found to treat bipolar depression in a new randomized controlled trial.

Blue spectrum light can worsen two systems that are already fragile in people with mood disorders: sleep and circadian rhythms. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to correct this problem.

A chance encounter with a patient who had been slowly and painfully emerging from under the oppressive burden of a recent life-threatening illness and impairing mood symptoms changed everything for all parties involved.

Three simple steps may better align your practice with available data on the efficacy and safety of thyroid supplementation in physiologic doses.

Unremitting screen time worsens two systems that are already fragile in people with mood disorders-sleep and circadian rhythms.

A 10-year study of over a thousand patients finds that nitrate-cured meats may play a causative role in mania. Hot dogs and bacon may be next.

Dr Phelps puts thyroid dysfunction into clinical context for patients with comorbid mood disorders.

Symptoms of alcohol and drug intoxication and withdrawal may resemble symptoms of bipolar disorder, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.

Old data have recently been gathered and systematically presented-reinforced by a new study, but perhaps contradicted by another. So it’s time to revisit this story.

Hypomania looks very different when it’s mixed with depression.

The biological clock is set by daily cycles of light and darkness, and regulation of these cycles is a promising avenue of prevention in bipolar disorder. That is exactly what we’re not doing.

Two FDA-approved medications are making a dent in treating bipolar disorder in youths, a serious illness that adversely affects young patients, as well as their family and peers.

Which medical condition-characterized by the rapid onset of delirium, mania, and psychosis-is linked with bipolar disorder? Take the 5-question quiz and learn more.

Since the choice of treatments for a primary bipolar I disorder major depressive episode versus a unipolar major depressive episode are significantly different, this information will help guide clinicians in how to proceed.

Download this educational supplement to review the challenges of managing bipolar disorder.

Hypomania is critical to rule out, but hard to pin down. In part 1 of this 2-part series, Dr. Aiken shares his top pearls for making the diagnosis.

Clinical features that guide the selection.

The author shines a light on a preventative treatment for both children and adults.

The first clinical trial of probiotics in bipolar disorder is out, and the results look promising.

A rare but serious reaction to this treatment can have immunological consequences. As with all medications, however, the latest alert does not change how psychiatrists manage the risks.

In children who have a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder, the severity of symptoms predicts whether they will transition to the illness.

Regardless of the symptoms that a child presents with, careful monitoring for hypomania is needed if the problems are significant and the parent has bipolar disorder.

DSM focuses on the difference between Bipolar I and II. But there’s another way to categorize the illness that may have more relevance to treatment.

What are the guidelines for working with patients who do not respond to FDA-approved medications for bipolar disorder?

How many people who take an antidepressant truly have severe difficulties when they try to taper off? Or, is it “all in their mind”?

This report includes a study on patterns of prodromal psychiatric symptoms that may help identify young persons at increased risk of bipolar disorder; sibling bullying and risk of psychotic disorders; and a new smartphone app that tracks moods and predicts bipolar disorder episodes.

High levels of vitamin D-binding protein may hold promise for use as a diagnostic biomarker of pediatric BD.