Pure and mixed manic subtypes: a review of diagnostic classification and validation

Clinical and metabolic correlates of DSM-5 mixed features in subjects with bipolar depression and mania: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Evidence on the clinical and metabolic characterization of mixed features (MFs) in bipolar disorder (BD) is limited. We performed a cross-sectional study analyzing clinical and metabolic correlates of MFs in people with bipolar depression or mania/hypomania.

METHODS

We included people with BD consecutively admitted for inpatient treatment from May 2020 to July 2023 as part of the Northern Milan Area Cohort (NOMIAC) project. The SCID-5 was used to confirm the diagnosis and assess DSM-5 specifiers. Young Mania Rating Scale and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were used to measure symptom severity. Information on socio-demographic, clinical, and metabolic conditions - including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hypothyroidism - were collected. Multiple logistic regression models were used to compare clinical and metabolic correlates between subjects with and without DSM-5 MFs.

RESULTS

We included 163 inpatients with BD (111 admitted for a manic/hypomanic episode and 52 for a major depressive episode), 39 of whom with MFs. The overall logistic regression model showed that MFs were associated with anxious distress (z = 2.44; p = 0.015) and obesity (z = 2.39; p = 0.017), also being less frequent among moderately/markedly ill people as compared with those borderline/mildly ill (z = -2.71; p = 0.007). Additional analyses corroborated the association between MFs and these characteristics in people with a depressive episode, though not in those with mania/hypomania.

CONCLUSION

Notwithstanding some limitations, our study provides additional insight into the characterization of individuals with MFs, highlighting that anxious distress and symptom severity, along with obesity, may represent core features helpful for the assessment and management of MFs in BD.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) recommendations for the management of patients with bipolar disorder with mixed presentations

OBJECTIVES

The 2018 Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) guidelines provided clinicians with pragmatic treatment recommendations for bipolar disorder (BD). While these guidelines included commentary on how mixed features may direct treatment selection, specific recommendations were not provided-a critical gap which the current update aims to address.

METHOD

Overview of research regarding mixed presentations in BD, with treatment recommendations developed using a modified CANMAT/ISBD rating methodology. Limitations are discussed, including the dearth of high-quality data and reliance on expert opinion.

RESULTS

No agents met threshold for first-line treatment of DSM-5 manic or depressive episodes with mixed features. For mania + mixed features second-line treatment options include asenapine, cariprazine, divalproex, and aripiprazole. In depression + mixed features, cariprazine and lurasidone are recommended as second-line options. For DSM-IV defined mixed episodes, with a longer history of research, asenapine and aripiprazole are first-line, and olanzapine (monotherapy or combination), carbamazepine, and divalproex are second-line. Research on maintenance treatments following a DSM-5 mixed presentation is extremely limited, with third-line recommendations based on expert opinion. For maintenance treatment following a DSM-IV mixed episode, quetiapine (monotherapy or combination) is first-line, and lithium and olanzapine identified as second-line options.

CONCLUSION

The CANMAT and ISBD groups hope these guidelines provide valuable support for clinicians providing care to patients experiencing mixed presentations, as well as further influence investment in research to improve diagnosis and treatment of this common and complex clinical state.

Temporal Structure of Mixed States: Does Sensitization Link Life Course to Episodes?

Susceptibility to combined depressive and manic syndromes correlates strongly with arousal-related symptoms including impulsivity, anxiety and agitation. This relationship to a driven, "mixed" activation-depression state, generated by a life-long process, was described in classical times. Course of illness in mixed states includes increased episode frequency, duration, earlier onset, and association with addiction- and trauma/stress-related disorders. Mixed episodes have catecholamine and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activity increased beyond nonmixed states of similar symptom severity. These properties resemble behavioral sensitization, where salient, survival-related stimuli (traumatic or rewarding) can generate persistently exaggerated responses with disrupted arousal and reward, with potential for suicide and other severe consequences.

Treatment of Mixed Features in Bipolar Disorder: an Updated View

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mixed presentations in bipolar disorder have long posed clinical and nosological challenges. The DSM-5 mixed features specifier was developed to provide a more flexible and clinically relevant definition of mixed presentations compared with narrowly defined DSM-IV mixed episodes. However, there is little guidance on treating such presentations. Here, we summarize the evidence for biological treatments of DSM-5 and similarly defined mixed features (MFs).

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature on treating MFs is almost exclusively based on post hoc analyses. Within this limited evidence base is preliminary positive data for aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone in treating acute mania with MFs, and cariprazine, lurasidone, olanzapine, and ziprasidone for depressive symptoms in depression with MFs. Divalproex may also be efficacious for acute mania with MFs. The few extant maintenance studies suggest that divalproex and olanzapine may have long-term efficacy in those with index MFs or for the prevention of MFs, respectively. The existing evidence suggests that clinicians consider atypical antipsychotics and divalproex for treating acute mixed presentations. However, adequately powered treatment trials-and studies of maintenance and neurostimulation therapies-are needed. Additionally, data-driven techniques to identify relevant symptom clusters may help improve our conceptualization of mixed presentations.

Candidate Biomarkers of Suicide Crisis Syndrome: What to Test Next? A Concept Paper

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing interest in both suicide-specific diagnoses within the psychiatric nomenclature and related biomarkers. Because the Suicide Crisis Syndrome-an emotional crescendo of several interrelated symptoms-seems to be promising for the identification of individuals at risk of suicide, the aim of the present paper is to review the putative biological underpinnings of the Suicide Crisis Syndrome symptoms (entrapment, affective disturbance, loss of cognitive control, hyperarousal, social withdrawal).

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was performed to identify studies reporting a link between each of the 5 Suicide Crisis Syndrome symptoms and biomarkers previously reported to be associated with suicidal outcomes.

RESULTS

Disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with dysregulated corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol levels, may be linked to a sense of entrapment. Affective disturbance is likely mediated by alterations in dopaminergic circuits involved in reward and antireward systems as well as endogenous opioids. Loss of cognitive control is linked to altered neurocognitive function in the areas of executive function, attention, and decision-making. Hyperarousal is linked to autonomic dysregulation, which may be characterized by a reduction in both heart rate variability and electrodermal activity. Social withdrawal has been associated with oxytocin availability. There is also evidence that inflammatory processes may contribute to individual Suicide Crisis Syndrome symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The Suicide Crisis Syndrome is a complex syndrome that is likely the consequence of distinct changes in interconnected neural, neuroendocrine, and autonomic systems. Available clinical and research data allow for development of empirically testable hypotheses and experimental paradigms to scrutinize the biological substrates of the Suicide Crisis Syndrome.

The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Guidelines for the Biological Treatment of Bipolar Disorders: Acute and long-term treatment of mixed states in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Although clinically highly relevant, the recognition and treatment of bipolar mixed states has played only an underpart in recent guidelines. This WFSBP guideline has been developed to supply a systematic overview of all scientific evidence pertaining to the acute and long-term treatment of bipolar mixed states in adults.

METHODS

Material used for these guidelines is based on a systematic literature search using various data bases. Their scientific rigour was categorised into six levels of evidence (A-F), and different grades of recommendation to ensure practicability were assigned. We examined data pertaining to the acute treatment of manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar mixed patients, as well as data pertaining to the prevention of mixed recurrences after an index episode of any type, or recurrence of any type after a mixed index episode.

RESULTS

Manic symptoms in bipolar mixed states appeared responsive to treatment with several atypical antipsychotics, the best evidence resting with olanzapine. For depressive symptoms, addition of ziprasidone to treatment as usual may be beneficial; however, the evidence base is much more limited than for the treatment of manic symptoms. Besides olanzapine and quetiapine, valproate and lithium should also be considered for recurrence prevention.

LIMITATIONS

The concept of mixed states changed over time, and recently became much more comprehensive with the release of DSM-5. As a consequence, studies in bipolar mixed patients targeted slightly different bipolar subpopulations. In addition, trial designs in acute and maintenance treatment also advanced in recent years in response to regulatory demands.

CONCLUSIONS

Current treatment recommendations are still based on limited evidence, and there is a clear demand for confirmative studies adopting the DSM-5 specifier with mixed features concept.

Different patterns of dopaminergic and serotonergic dysfunction in manic, depressive and euthymic phases of bipolar disorder

A variety of alterations in brain neurotransmitter systems has been proposed as the cause of bipolar disorder (BD). We conducted a PUBMED search, which provided a total of 45 in vivo investigations with PET and SPECT, in which binding to serotonin transporter (SERT), 5-HT1A receptor (R), 5-HT2AR, dopamine transporter (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2), D1R, D2R, muscarinic M2R and nicotinic ß2-nAChR as well as dopamine synthesis and/or dopamine release were assessed in BD patients in the manic (6 studies, 39 patients, 77 controls), depressive (15 studies, 248 patients, 488 controls) or eu- thymic condition (18 studies, 265 patients, 293 controls) and in mixed collectives of BD patients (6 studies, 55 patients, 80 controls). The retrospective analysis revealed a complex pattern of dysregulations within and between neurotransmitter systems, which is causally linked to the acute and euthymic states of BD. While increased mesencephalic, limbic and parietotemporoccipital serotonin and increased frontal dopamine underlie mania, the depressive state is characterized by decreased frontal and limbic serotonin, increased frontal and limbic acetylcholine and increased frontal dopamine. Also in euthymia, no normalization of receptor and transporter densities was observed. Alterations of regulation states of bindings sites, however, act together to achieve a normalization of mesencephalic, limbic and cortical serotonin.

The Impact of Hypomania on Aerobic Capacity and Cardiopulmonary Functioning-A Case Report

Background: Hypomanic episodes are characterized by increased goal-directed behavior and psychomotor agitation. While the affective, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations of such episodes are well-documented, their physiological influence on aerobic capacity and cardiopulmonary functioning are unknown. Methods: We describe a case report of an individual with schizophrenia who experienced a hypomanic episode while serving as a control participant (wait list) in a single-blind, randomized clinical trial examining the impact of aerobic exercise (AE) on neurocognition in people schizophrenia. As part of the trial, participants completed two scheduled clinical assessments and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (VO₂max) at baseline and 12 weeks later at end of study. All participants received standard psychiatric care during the trial. Following a baseline assessment in which he displayed no evidence of mood lability, the subject returned on Week-12 for his scheduled follow-up assessment displaying symptoms of hypomania. He was able to complete the follow-up assessment, as well as third assessment 2 weeks later (Week-14) when his hypomanic symptoms ebbed. Results: While not engaging in AE, the subject's aerobic capacity, as indexed by VO₂max, increased by 33% from baseline to Week-12. In comparison, participants engaged in the aerobic exercise training increased their aerobic capacity on average by 18%. In contrast, participants in the control group displayed a small decline (-0.5%) in their VO₂max scores. Moreover, the subject's aerobic capacity increased even further by Week-14 (49% increase from baseline), despite the ebbing of his hypomania symptoms at that time. These changes were accompanied by increases in markers of aerobic fitness including peak heart rate, respiratory exchange rate, peak minute ventilation, watts, and peak systolic blood pressure. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and peak diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hypomania produce substantial increase in aerobic capacity and that such elevations may remain sustained following the ebbing of hypomanic symptoms. Such elevations may be attributed to increased mobility and goal-directed behavior associated with hypomania, as individuals in hypomanic states may ambulate more frequently, for longer duration, and/or at higher intensity. Our results provide a first and unique view into the impact of hypomania on aerobic capacity and cardiopulmonary functioning.

Mixed states in bipolar disorder - changes in DSM-5 and current treatment recommendations

OBJECTIVE

Mixed states in affective disorders represent a particular challenge in clinical routine, characterized by a complicated course of treatment and a worse treatment response.

METHODS

Clinical features of mixed states and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria are presented and critical discussed. We then performed a systematic review using the terms 'bipolar', 'mixed' and 'randomized' to evaluate current treatment options.

RESULTS

For pharmacological treatment of mixed states in total, there is still insufficient data from RCTs. However, there is some evidence for efficacy in mixed states from RCTs for atypical antipsychotics, especially olanzapine, aripiprazole and asenapine as well as mood stabilizers as valproate and carbamazepine.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed states are of a high clinical relevance and the DSM-5 criteria substantially reduced the diagnostic threshold. Besides advantages of a better characterization of patients with former DSM-IV-defined mixed episodes, disadvantages arise for example differential diagnoses with a substantial overlap in symptoms such as borderline personality disorders. Atypical antipsychotics, valproate and carbamazepine demonstrated efficacy in a limited sample of RCTs.

LIMITATIONS

The number of RCTs in the treatment of mixed states is highly limited. Furthermore, nearly all studies were funded by pharmaceutical companies which may lead to an underestimation of classical mood stabilizers such as lithium.

Simplifying profiles of comorbidity in bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Comorbid psychiatric symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD) predict poorer course of illness and treatment outcome. The sheer number of comorbid symptoms has thwarted developing treatments to address these comorbid concerns. The goal of this study was to develop a more parsimonious approach to understanding clusters of comorbid symptoms within BD.

METHOD

Data were collected as part of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Structured diagnostic interviews were conducted with 43,093 participants using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV (AUDADIS-IV). Analyses were conducted on lifetime symptom counts for the most common 14 comorbid disorders among the 1411 persons who met lifetime criteria for bipolar I disorder.

RESULTS

An exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation as well as confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor solution of Externalizing, Anxiety, and Mood syndromes, with a higher order Internalizing factor comprised of the Mood and Anxiety factors.

LIMITATIONS

Further research is needed in a clinical sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid symptoms in BD tend to cohere into Internalizing and Externalizing disorders, which could simplify research and treatment on comorbidity in BD.

Circuits Regulating Pleasure and Happiness in Bipolar Disorder

According to our model, the motivation for appetitive-searching vs. distress-avoiding behaviors is regulated by two parallel cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) re-entry circuits that include the core and the shell parts of the nucleus accumbens, respectively. An entire series of basal ganglia, running from the caudate nucleus on one side to the centromedial amygdala on the other side, control the intensity of these reward-seeking and misery-fleeing behaviors by stimulating the activity of the (pre)frontal and limbic cortices. Hyperactive motivation to display behavior that potentially results in reward induces feelings of hankering (relief leads to pleasure); while, hyperactive motivation to exhibit behavior related to avoidance of aversive states results in dysphoria (relief leads to happiness). These two systems collaborate in a reciprocal fashion. We hypothesized that the mechanism inducing the switch from bipolar depression to mania is the most essential characteristic of bipolar disorder. This switch is attributed to a dysfunction of the lateral habenula, which regulates the activity of midbrain centers, including the dopaminergic ventral tegmental area (VTA). From an evolutionary perspective, the activity of the lateral habenula should be regulated by the human homolog of the habenula-projecting globus pallidus, which in turn might be directed by the amygdaloid complex and the phylogenetically old part of the limbic cortex. In bipolar disorder, it is possible that the system regulating the activity of this reward-driven behavior is damaged or the interaction between the medial and lateral habenula may be dysfunctional. This may lead to an adverse coupling between the activities of the misery-fleeing and reward-seeking circuits, which results in independently varying activities.

Exclusion of overlapping symptoms in DSM-5 mixed features specifier: heuristic diagnostic and treatment implications

This article focuses on the controversial decision to exclude the overlapping symptoms of distractibility, irritability, and psychomotor agitation (DIP) with the introduction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) mixed features specifier. In order to understand the placement of mixed states within the current classification system, we first review the evolution of mixed states. Then, using Kraepelin's original classification of mixed states, we compare and contrast his conceptualization with modern day definitions. The DSM-5 workgroup excluded DIP symptoms, arguing that they lack the ability to differentiate between manic and depressive states; however, accumulating evidence suggests that DIP symptoms may be core features of mixed states. We suggest a return to a Kraepelinian approach to classification-with mood, ideation, and activity as key axes-and reintegration of DIP symptoms as features that are expressed across presentations. An inclusive definition of mixed states is urgently needed to resolve confusion in clinical practice and to redirect future research efforts.

Mixed features in bipolar disorder

Mixed affective states, defined as the coexistence of depressive and manic symptoms, are complex presentations of manic-depressive illness that represent a challenge for clinicians at the levels of diagnosis, classification, and pharmacological treatment. The evidence shows that patients with bipolar disorder who have manic/hypomanic or depressive episodes with mixed features tend to have a more severe form of bipolar disorder along with a worse course of illness and higher rates of comorbid conditions than those with non-mixed presentations. In the updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5), the definition of "mixed episode" has been removed, and subthreshold nonoverlapping symptoms of the opposite pole are captured using a "with mixed features" specifier applied to manic, hypomanic, and major depressive episodes. However, the list of symptoms proposed in the DSM-5 specifier has been widely criticized, because it includes typical manic symptoms (such as elevated mood and grandiosity) that are rare among patients with mixed depression, while excluding symptoms (such as irritability, psychomotor agitation, and distractibility) that are frequently reported in these patients. With the new classification, mixed depressive episodes are three times more common in bipolar II compared with unipolar depression, which partly contributes to the increased risk of suicide observed in bipolar depression compared to unipolar depression. Therefore, a specific diagnostic category would imply an increased diagnostic sensitivity, would help to foster early identification of symptoms and ensure specific treatment, as well as play a role in suicide prevention in this population.

Dysphoric mania, mixed states, and mania with mixed features specifier: are we mixing things up?

Various terms have been used to describe mania when it is accompanied by depressive symptoms. In this article, we attempt to define and discuss 3 of these terms: dysphoric mania, mixed state, and mania with mixed features specifier. We conclude that whatever term is used, it is important to be aware that mania is more often unpleasant than pleasant, and that the unpleasantness is not limited to depression.

Validation of Computerized Adaptive Testing in an Outpatient Nonacademic Setting: The VOCATIONS Trial

OBJECTIVE

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) provides an alternative to fixed-length assessments. The study validated a suite of computerized adaptive tests for mental health (CAT-MH) in a community psychiatric sample.

METHODS

A total of 145 adults from a community outpatient clinic, including 19 with no history of a mental disorder (control group), were prospectively evaluated with CAT for depression (CAD-MDD and CAT-DI), mania (CAT-MANIA), and anxiety symptoms (CAT-ANX). Ratings were compared with gold-standard psychiatric assessments, including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-25), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity for CAD-MDD were .96 and .64, respectively (.96 and 1.00 for major depression versus the control group). CAT for depression severity (CAT-DI) correlated well with the HAM-D-25 (r=.79), PHQ-9 (r=.90), and CES-D (r=.90) and had an odds ratio (OR) of 27.88 across its range for current SCID major depressive disorder. CAT-ANX correlated with the HAM-D-25 (r=.73), PHQ-9 (r=.78), and CES-D (r=.81) and had an OR of 11.52 across its range for current SCID generalized anxiety disorder. CAT-MANIA did not correlate well with the HAM-D-25 (r=.31), PHQ-9 (r=.37), and CES-D (r=.39), but it had an OR of 11.56 across its range for a current SCID bipolar diagnosis. Participants found the CAT-MH acceptable and easy to use, averaging 51.7 items and 9.4 minutes to complete the full battery.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with gold-standard diagnostic and assessment measures, CAT-MH provided an effective, rapidly administered assessment of psychiatric symptoms.

Confirmatory test of two factors and four subtypes of bipolar disorder based on lifetime psychiatric co-morbidity

BACKGROUND

The first aim was to use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test a hypothesis that two factors (internalizing and externalizing) account for lifetime co-morbid DSM-IV diagnoses among adults with bipolar I (BPI) disorder. The second aim was to use confirmatory latent class analysis (CLCA) to test the hypothesis that four clinical subtypes are detectible: pure BPI; BPI plus internalizing disorders only; BPI plus externalizing disorders only; and BPI plus internalizing and externalizing disorders.

METHOD

A cohort of 699 multiplex BPI families was studied, ascertained and assessed (1998-2003) by the National Institute of Mental Health Genetics Initiative Bipolar Consortium: 1156 with BPI disorder (504 adult probands; 594 first-degree relatives; and 58 more distant relatives) and 563 first-degree relatives without BPI. Best-estimate consensus DSM-IV diagnoses were based on structured interviews, family history and medical records. MPLUS software was used for CFA and CLCA.

RESULTS

The two-factor CFA model fit the data very well, and could not be improved by adding or removing paths. The four-class CLCA model fit better than exploratory LCA models or post-hoc-modified CLCA models. The two factors and four classes were associated with distinctive clinical course and severity variables, adjusted for proband gender. Co-morbidity, especially more than one internalizing and/or externalizing disorder, was associated with a more severe and complicated course of illness. The four classes demonstrated significant familial aggregation, adjusted for gender and age of relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPI two-factor and four-cluster hypotheses demonstrated substantial confirmatory support. These models may be useful for subtyping BPI disorders, predicting course of illness and refining the phenotype in genetic studies.

Prevalence rates and clinical implications of bipolar disorder "with mixed features" as defined by DSM-5

BACKGROUND

We investigated the increase in the prevalence of bipolar disorder with mixed features following the replacement of DSM-IV-TR criteria with DSM-5 criteria. Additionally, we examined the clinical implications of the use of "with mixed features" as a specifier with bipolar disorder.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed medical charts from 2003 to 2013. A total of 331 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder using the DSM-IV TR were enrolled and categorized into four groups: manic/hypomanic with mixed features, manic/hypomanic without mixed features, depressed with mixed features, and depressed without mixed features. These classifications were made in accordance with the DSM-5 definition of bipolar disorder "with mixed features." Changes in the prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of mixed features were significantly different when using the DSM-5 criteria vs. the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Patients with mixed features had a younger age of onset, younger age at hospitalization, more frequent hospitalizations for mixed episodes, and greater suicide risk compared with patients without mixed features.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study may have resulted in under diagnosis of mixed states.

CONCLUSIONS

An approximately three-fold greater risk for mixed features was observed in patients with bipolar disorder when using the DSM-5 criteria than when using the DSM-IV-TR criteria. The additional patients may represent patients with sub-syndromal mixed features and could indicate that patients with mixed features are underdiagnosed.

Bipolar patients' quality of life in mixed states: a preliminary qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of patients with bipolar disorder experience mixed states. Mixed states are associated with more comorbidity, poorer treatment response and prognosis, increased relapse rate, and decreased functioning. This study aimed to produce in-depth knowledge about bipolar patients' quality of life (QoL) and functioning related to mixed states.

SAMPLING AND METHODS

This study used qualitative research methods. A semi-structured interview guide based on a literature study was applied in interviews with 6 remitted bipolar I patients having experienced mixed states. A medical anthropological approach was applied to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Participants described mixed states as worse than other bipolar disorder states and their residual symptoms were prolonged. Mixed states affected the functioning of patients in key life domains such as self-esteem, family, love and social life, physical well-being, and working capability.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed states may severely affect the QoL and functioning of bipolar patients. Our results indicate that improving these should be a main goal of patient treatment. With an aim of adequately identifying and treating mixed states, our findings highlight the need for knowledge about this particularly severe expression of bipolar disorder. These results should be confirmed in a larger sample of patients with varying socioeconomic status.

[Clinical description of mixed mania]

DSM-IV mixed states have become the mixed mania and mixed depression in the new DSM-5. One noticeable point is the introduction of nine cations, among which the "with mixed features" specification. These non exclusive specifications may contribute to a more precise identification of mixed clinical pictures, and therefore to offer a more efficient therapeutic answer. Different dimensional approaches are widely documented. They allow the isolation of a mixed factor which is clinically associated with two other specifications: anxious distress and psychotic features. These severity markers may encourage clinicians to be alert about the risk of misdiagnosis, and cautious in the management of these clinical situations.

[Bipolar disorder: inter-episode symptoms]

The importance of inter-episode symptoms in bipolar disorder can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century, at a time when the two fathers of the concept in France, Falret and Baillarger were opposed on the issue as to whether the presence of free intervals between the episodes had to be part or not of the disease's definition. Modern studies have reported rates between 50 and 68% for those symptoms which refer to subsyndromal manifestations present between affective episodes but that do not meet the required criteria for episodes definition. These manifestations comprise residual symptoms, prodromes, axis I comorbid psychiatric disorders, side effects of treatment, temperamental features, and comorbidity with personality disorders. Inter- episodes symptoms represent a risk factor for the occurrence of relapses and recurrences and are usually associated with impairments in functioning in almost all domains of psychosocial and family life. As they are easy to miss, it is important in clinical practice, to draw the attention of clinicians, patients and relatives to the role they have in the course of the illness. As far as their management, it may be crucial to achieve a full remission of the episodes, using adequate dosages of psychotropic drugs. Residual symptoms, prodromes as well as other inter-episode symptoms may respond to strategies based on cognitive-behaviour therapy, and/or psychoeducation.

[Mixed states]

The issue of mixed states has an important place in the debate on psychiatric nosography since the end of 19th century. The current definition of mixed states according to the DSM- IV, as a thymic episode of bipolar disorder type I, is probably somewhat too restrictive in clinical practice. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of bipolar disorder, the mixed states will define within a dimensional approach, likely in the next DSM- V. As the evolution, the prognosis or the therapeutic strategies differ from what is applied in other thymic episodes, this transition from "mixed state" to manic or depressive episodes "with mixed features" may be relevant in practice.

Reproductive outcomes and risk of subsequent illness in women diagnosed with postpartum psychosis

OBJECTIVES

Women who experience postpartum psychosis (PP) seek guidance on further pregnancies and risk of illness; however, empirical data are limited. This study describes reproductive and mental health outcomes in women diagnosed with PP and examines clinical risk factors as predictors of further illness.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort design was used; 116 women who experienced episodes of mania or depression with psychotic features within six weeks of childbirth were recruited. All subjects underwent clinical diagnostic interviews and medical case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Only 33% of women had an antecedent history, of which 34% had bipolar disorder and 55% unipolar depression. Only 58% of those with PP in their first pregnancy had a subsequent pregnancy, and 18% of marriages ended following the PP episode. Clinical presentation at the time of initial episode did not influence the timing of the onset of symptoms, treatment, or recovery. Although 86% of patients received treatment within 30 days of onset, 26% of women reported ongoing symptoms at a year after delivery. The recurrence rate of PP was 54.4%; a longer duration of the index episode (p < 0.05) and longer latency between the index PP and next pregnancy predicted a subsequent PP. The rate of subsequent non-puerperal episodes was 69%, and all these episodes were bipolar.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum psychosis is difficult to predict in women with no antecedent history and is associated with a high rate of subsequent puerperal and non-puerperal illness. Risk of further illness needs to be conveyed in order to allow fully informed decisions to be made regarding future pregnancies.

Mixed states in DSM-5: implications for clinical care, education, and research

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) nomenclature for the co-occurrence of manic and depressive symptoms (mixed states) has been revised in the new DSM-5 version to accommodate a mixed categorical-dimensional concept. The new classification will capture subthreshold non-overlapping symptoms of the opposite pole using a "with mixed features" specifier to be applied to manic episodes in bipolar disorder I (BD I), hypomanic, and major depressive episodes experienced in BD I, BD II, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, and major depressive disorder. The revision will have a substantial impact in several fields: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, research, education, and regulations. The new concept is data-driven and overcomes the problems derived from the extremely narrow definition in the DSM-IV-TR. However, it is unclear how clinicians will deal with the possibility of diagnosing major depression with mixed features and how this may impact the bipolar-unipolar dichotomy and diagnostic reliability. Clinical trials may also need to address treatment effects according to the presence or absence of mixed features. The medications that are effective in treating mixed episodes per the DSM-IV-TR definition may also be effective in treating mixed features per the DSM-5, but new studies are needed to demonstrate it.

Key players in major and bipolar depression--a retrospective analysis of in vivo imaging studies

In the present study, we evaluated the contribution of the individual synaptic constituents of all assessed neurotransmitter systems by subjecting all available in vivo imaging studies on patients with unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD) to a retrospective analysis. In acute MDD, findings revealed significant increases of prefrontal and frontal DA synthesis, decreases of thalamic and midbrain SERT, increases of insular SERT, decreases of midbrain 5-HT(1A) receptors and decreases of prefrontal, frontal, occipital and cingulate 5-HT(2A) receptors, whereas, in remission, decreases of striatal D₂ receptors, midbrain SERT, frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital and cingulate 5-HT(1A) receptors and parietal 5-HT(2A) receptors were observed. In BD, findings indicated a trend towards increased striatal D₂ receptors in depression and mania, decreased striatal DA synthesis in remission and decreased frontal D₁ receptors in all three conditions. Additionally, there is some evidence that ventrostriatal and hippocampal SERT may be decreased in depression, whereas in remission and mania elevations of thalamic and midbrain SERT, respectively, were observed. Moreover, in depression, limbic 5-HT(1A) receptors were elevated, whereas in mania a decrease of both cortical and limbic 5-HT(2A) receptor binding was observed. Furthermore, in depression, prefrontal, frontal, occipital and cingulate M2 receptor binding was found to be reduced. From this, a complex pattern of dysregulations within and between neurotransmitter systems may be derived, which is likely to be causally linked not only with the subtype and duration of disease but also with the predominance of individual symptoms and with the kind and duration of pharmacological treatment(s).

Depression symptom ratings in geriatric patients with bipolar mania

OBJECTIVE

Given the paucity of information available regarding standardized ratings of depression symptoms in bipolar manic states, and in particular those in older adults, we explored depression ratings in symptomatic participants in a multicenter study of treatment of bipolar I disorder in late life.

METHODS

Baseline data was obtained from the first 100 patients enrolled in an NIMH-funded, 9-week, randomized, double-blind RCT comparing treatment with lithium or valproate in patients of age 60 years and older with Type I Bipolar mania or hypomania. This multi-site study was conducted at six academic medical centers in the United States and enrolled inpatients and outpatients with a total Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score of 18 or greater. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The criterion for at least moderate bipolar depressive symptoms was the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Consensus Meeting definition of HAM-D 17 total score >20.

RESULTS

Eleven percent of patients had mixed symptoms defined by depression scale severity according to ECNP criterion. In the overall sample, total scores on the two depression scales were highly correlated. Total YMRS scores of this mixed symptom group were similar to the remainder of the sample.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings suggest that moderate to severe depressive symptoms occur in about one in ten bipolar manic elders. Future studies are needed to further evaluate symptom profiles, clinical correlates, and treatments for bipolar older adults with combined manic and depressive symptoms.

The identification of unipolar mania subtype based on anxiety comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Unipolar mania is a controversial topic. Clinical research has focused on establishing specific characteristics that allow it to be distinguished from bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

Experienced and carefully trained clinicians evaluated a clinical sample of 298 patients with bipolar disorder using structured instruments to analyze the clinical and socio-demographics differences between people with manic episodes over the course of a 15-year illness compared with participants with histories of manic and depressive episodes.

RESULTS

According to adopted criteria, 16 (5.6%) participants presented unipolar mania (UM) and 282 participants presented manic and depressive (MD) phases. UM patients reported significantly more hospitalizations and medications, as well as more frequent psychosis at the first episode in the UM group than compared to the MD group. The UM group showed worse overall functioning, although differences in mood status between groups were not identified. Comorbid anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms occurred significantly less frequently in the UM group.

LIMITATIONS

Because of the cross-sectional design, determining causal relationships was not possible. Furthermore, the retrospective nature of the UM diagnosis could not exclude a future depressive episode.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of anxiety disorders can differentiate patients with unipolar mania from those with bipolar mania.

Combining self-defeating and depressive personality symptoms into one construct

In the history of the DSM, two disorders have been proposed for consideration that shared much in common - self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD) and depressive personality disorder (DPD). In a previous paper, it was reported that SDPD (n = 34) and DPD (n = 240) shared a diagnostic overlap of 70%. It was concluded that SDPD could not be empirically supported as a diagnostic category. In this paper, the overlap of the two disorders was explored further in this same sample (n = 1,200) of psychiatric outpatients. We found that symptoms of the two disorders were positively correlated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided strong support for a model with two distinct, but very highly correlated constructs. Based on the hypothesis that SDPD and DPD are separate but related, a second-order CFA factor was fit to the data to further examine the strong association between the two disorders. Taken collectively, it is concluded that DPD and SDPD are components of the same construct, and that the current DPD and SDPD diagnoses as proposed in the DSM are actually subtypes of a common personality pathology (i.e. a second-order factor).

Mood swing and mood stabilizer: how specific are these terms?

BACKGROUND

In the DSM-IIIR in 1987, the category title for depressive and bipolar disorders was changed from affective disorders to mood disorders. Within a short period of time thereafter, mood swing and mood stabilizer became very commonly used terms in psychiatry with bipolar implications.

METHODS

Terms and definitions in recent texts, articles, and dictionaries pertaining to mood fluctuations have been reviewed.

RESULTS

The term mood was seldom part of psychiatric terminology until the late 1970s. Mood swing and mood stabilizer as used in the psychiatric literature are primarily nonspecific and often misleading concepts--particularly as a basis for treatment decisions. Affective fluctuations and shifts to irritability and/or anger in persons with personality and depressive disorders are being viewed by many in the mental health field as cyclically biphasic--between depressed to elated--which is clearly at variance with research findings.

CONCLUSIONS

More data-based research on mood variations is needed to authoritatively remedy this situation.

Prevalence of mixed mania using 3 definitions

OBJECTIVES

Mixed episodes are a combination of depressive and manic symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD). We want to identify the proportion of patients who have depressive symptoms during an acute episode and also the validity of current methods for its diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Cross-sectional multicentre study of patients with type I BD who are admitted to specialized units. 368 patients in 76 centres were included. The patients should have a well established diagnosis of BD and need hospitalisation. The severity of the disorder and clinical status were evaluated upon admission and discharge using CGI-BP-M clinical impression scales, the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) and the Young mania rating scale (YMRS). Upon admission, the necessary criteria for diagnosing a mixed type episode were recorded according to DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10 and McElroy criteria. Clinical judgment of the current type of episode was also recorded.

RESULTS

Prevalence estimations for mixed episodes were: 12.9% according to DSM-IV-TR (n=45), 9% according to ICD-10 (n=31), 16.7% according to McElroy criteria (n=58), and 23.2% according to clinical judgment (n=81). Statistically significant differences were found between the estimated prevalence rates (Cochrane's Q-test, p<0.0001), with the maximum concordance level found between the McElroy and ICD-10 (Kappa=0.66, 95% CI, 0.54-0.77). The DSM-IV-TR criteria only present moderate concordance with ICD-10 (Kappa=0.65, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.78) and McElroy criteria (Kappa=0.62, 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

The definition of mixed episodes for BD must be revised to improve consensus and, consequently, therapeutic management. Current diagnostic systems, based on DSM-IV and IDC-10, only capture a limited proportion of patients suffering from mixed episodes, giving rise to important limitations concerning the therapeutic management of BP patients.

Anxiety as a symptom of mixed mania: implications for DSM-5

The recently released preliminary proposal for the DSM-5 diagnostic system includes modification of the mixed mania diagnosis symptom set. That definition includes the long-overdue exclusion of nonspecific signs and symptoms, as well as the inclusion of psychomotor retardation. Anxiety is specifically excluded from the definition. The current report reviews studies to establish that psychomotor retardation would have limited utility in the definition, in contrast to anxiety, which is a core symptom of the mixed manic subtype.

Efficacy of ziprasidone in dysphoric mania: pooled analysis of two double-blind studies

BACKGROUND

Dysphoric mania is a common and often difficult to treat subset of bipolar mania that is associated with significant depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

This post hoc analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy of ziprasidone in the treatment of depressive and other symptoms in a cohort of patients with dysphoric mania.

METHODS

Pooled data were examined from two similarly designed, 3-week placebo-controlled trials in acute bipolar mania. Patients scoring >/=2 on at least two items of the extracted Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) met criteria for dysphoric mania and were included in the post hoc analysis. Changes from baseline in symptom scores were evaluated by a mixed-model analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

179 patients with dysphoric mania were included in the post hoc analysis (ziprasidone, n=124; placebo, n=55). Beginning at day 4, HAM-D scores were significantly lower at all visits in patients treated with ziprasidone compared with those treated with placebo (p<0.05). Ziprasidone-treated patients also demonstrated significant improvements on the Mania Rating Scale and all secondary efficacy measures, and had significantly higher response and remission rates compared with placebo.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitations are the use of a post hoc analysis and the pooling of two studies with slightly different designs.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, ziprasidone significantly improved both depressive and manic mood symptoms in patients with dysphoric mania, suggesting that it might be a useful treatment option in this patient population. Further prospective controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder: cross-national community study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder in the community is largely unknown.

AIMS

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of rapid-cycling and non-rapid-cycling bipolar disorder in a large cross-national community sample.

METHOD

The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI version 3.0) was used to examine the prevalence, severity, comorbidity, impairment, suicidality, sociodemographics, childhood adversity and treatment of rapid-cycling and non-rapid-cycling bipolar disorder in ten countries (n = 54 257).

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder was 0.3%. Roughly a third and two-fifths of participants with lifetime and 12-month bipolar disorder respectively met criteria for rapid cycling. Compared with the non-rapid-cycling, rapid-cycling bipolar disorder was associated with younger age at onset, higher persistence, more severe depressive symptoms, greater impairment from depressive symptoms, more out-of-role days from mania/hypomania, more anxiety disorders and an increased likelihood of using health services. Associations regarding childhood, family and other sociodemographic correlates were less clear cut.

CONCLUSIONS

The community epidemiological profile of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder confirms most but not all current clinically based knowledge about the illness.

Impulsivity in mania

Impulsivity, a breakdown in the balance between initiation and screening of action that leads to reactions to stimuli without adequate reflection or regard for consequences, is a core feature of bipolar disorder and is prominent in manic episodes. Catecholaminergic function is related to impulsivity and mania. Manic individuals have abnormal dopaminergic reactions to reward and abnormal responses in the ventral prefrontal cortex that are consistent with impulsive behavior. Impulsivity in mania is pervasive, encompassing deficits in attention and behavioral inhibition. Impulsivity is increased with severe course of illness (eg, frequent episodes, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts). In mixed states, mania-associated impulsivity combines with depressive symptoms to increase the risk of suicide. Clinical management of impulsivity in mania involves addressing interpersonal distortions inherent in mania; reducing overstimulation; alertness to medical-, trauma-, or substance-related problems; and prompt pharmacologic treatment. Manic episodes must be viewed in the context of the life course of bipolar disorder.

Harmonisation of ICD-11 and DSM-V: opportunities and challenges

BACKGROUND

Differences in the ICD-10 and DSM-IV definitions for the same disorder impede international communication and research efforts. The forthcoming parallel development of DSM-V and ICD-11 offers an opportunity to harmonise the two classifications.

AIMS

This paper aims to facilitate the harmonisation process by identifying diagnostic differences between the two systems.

METHOD

DSM-IV-TR criteria sets and the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research were compared and categorised into those with identical definitions, those with conceptually based differences and those in which differences are not conceptually based and appear to be unintentional.

RESULTS

Of the 176 criteria sets in both systems, only one, transient tic disorder, is identical. Twenty-one per cent had conceptually based differences and 78% had non-conceptually based differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Harmonisation of criteria sets, especially those with non-conceptually based differences, should be prioritised in the DSM-V and ICD-11 development process. Prior experience with the DSM-IV and ICD-10 harmonisation effort suggests that for the process to be successful steps should be taken as early as possible.

Irritable mood and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

BACKGROUND

The terms 'irritable mood' and 'irritability' have been applied to describe and define a variety of different categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). More precise diagnostic terms and concepts are needed.

METHODS

A concise critical historical review of DSM categories characterized by irritability, anger, and aggression is presented followed by recommendations.

RESULTS

This analysis describes the broad ranging and imprecise use of the term irritability since the first DSM in 1952. A more age-appropriate and functional realignment of psychiatric categories linked to dysfunctional anger is suggested. Among other recommendations, this realignment would remove irritability as a problematic definer in the present DSM mood categories: expand oppositional defiant disorder to include adults; link the callous unemotional subtype of conduct disorder in adolescents to antisocial personality disorder; move intermittent explosive disorder to an appropriate category: and expand the term 'mood' to apply also to dysfunctional anger and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The non-specific term 'irritability' commonly used in the DSM has had an adverse effect on diagnostic specificity and thereby on treatment. Dysfunctional anger is a major mood disorder which merits a more prominent and better defined representation in psychiatric nomenclature.

Continuum of depressive and manic mixed states in patients with bipolar disorder: quantitative measurement and clinical features

Bipolar mixed states combine depressive and manic features, presenting diagnostic and treatment challenges and reflecting a severe form of the illness. DSM-IV criteria for a mixed state require combined depressive and manic syndromes, but a range of mixed states has been described clinically. A unified definition of mixed states would be valuable in understanding their diagnosis, mechanism and treatment implications. We investigated the manner in which depressive and manic features combine to produce a continuum of mixed states. In 88 subjects with bipolar disorder (DSM-IV), we evaluated symptoms and clinical characteristics, and compared depression-based, mania-based, and other published definitions of mixed states. We developed an index of the extent to which symptoms were mixed (Mixed State Index, MSI) and characterized its relationship to clinical state. Predominately manic and depressive mixed states using criteria from recent literature, as well as Kraepelinian mixed states, had similar symptoms and MSI scores. Anxiety correlated significantly with depression scores in manic subjects and with mania scores in depressed subjects. Discriminant function analysis associated mixed states with symptoms of hyperactivity and negative cognitions, but not subjective depressive or elevated mood. High MSI scores were associated with severe course of illness. For depressive or manic episodes, characteristics of mixed states emerged with two symptoms of the opposite polarity. This was a cross-sectional study. Mixed states appear to be a continuum. An index of the degree to which depressive and manic symptoms combine appears useful in identifying and characterizing mixed states. We propose a depressive or manic episode with three or more symptoms of the opposite polarity as a parsimonious definition of a mixed state.

A prediction rule for diagnosing hypomania

BACKGROUND

Missing the diagnosis of past hypomania, and thus of bipolar II disorder, is common. Study aim was to find a 'prediction rule' for facilitating the diagnosis of past hypomania.

METHODS

In an outpatient psychiatry private practice (non-tertiary care), a consecutive sample of 275 bipolar II disorder (BP-II) remitted patients, and consecutive, independent, sample of 138 major depressive disorder (MDD) remitted patients, had been interviewed for different study goals during follow-up visits by a senior bipolar-trained psychiatrist. Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, modified and validated by Benazzi and Akiskal [Benazzi F (2007). Lancet 369: 935-945] to improve the probing for past hypomania, patients had been questioned about the most common symptoms and duration of recent threshold and subthreshold hypomanic episodes. The sample was retrospective in nature. A prediction rule was tested. This is a score resulting from the sum of the weighted scores of each hypomanic symptom which was an independent predictor of hypomania. Its cutoff score for discriminating hypomania was based on the highest figure of correctly classified hypomanias and on the most balanced combination of sensitivity and specificity. A second, independent sample of 138 BP-II and 71 MDD remitted outpatients was tested to replicate the findings.

RESULTS

By univariate logistic regression, hypomanic symptoms distinguishing BP-II and MDD included 'increase in goal-directed activity' (overactivity) (OR=28.3), 'elevated mood' (OR=14.9), 'increased talkativeness' (OR=9.2), 'inflated self-esteem', 'decreased need for sleep', 'excessive risky activities', and 'irritable mood'. By multivariable logistic regression, the independent predictors of hypomania resulted 'increase in goal-directed activity' (OR=14.9, weighted score=15), 'elevated mood' (OR=7.5, weighted score=7), 'increased talkativeness' (OR=3.6, weighted score=4); 'irritable mood', 'inflated self-esteem', 'decreased need for sleep', and 'excessive risky activities' had ORs between 2.04 and 2.39, with a weighted score=2. The prediction rule showed that the cutpoint score > or = 21 had the highest figure of correctly classified hypomanias (88%, ROC area=0.94), showing the most balanced combination of sensitivity (87%) and specificity (89%). This prediction rule, tested on the second sample, found that the same cutoff score > or =21 correctly classified the highest figure of hypomanias (94%, ROC area=0.97), showing the most balanced combination of sensitivity (93%) and specificity (95%). To cross this cutoff score, overactivity was always required (as the sum of the scores of elevated mood and of the other symptoms did not reach this cutoff). However, scores 10 to 20 correctly classified only slightly lower figures of hypomanias.

CONCLUSIONS

A prediction rule for hypomania was tested. The scores of overactivity plus at least some hypomanic symptom (among elevated mood, irritability, inflated self-esteem, less sleep, talkativeness, excessive risky activities) correctly classified 88% of hypomanias. Instead, elevated mood without overactivity, plus even all the other symptoms, did not reach the best figure of correctly classified. However, lower cutoff scores, up to 10, classified slightly lower figures of hypomanias, but with less balanced combinations of sensitivity and specificity. These findings may have diagnostic utility, because BP-II versus MDD is likely to be a more severe disorder. This prediction rule, if replicated and fine-tuned in different settings, may help clinicians better probing past hypomania, thus reducing the common misdiagnosis of BP-II as MDD.

The structure of lifetime manic-hypomanic spectrum

BACKGROUND

The observation that bipolar disorders frequently go unrecognized has prompted the development of screening instruments designed to improve the identification of bipolarity in clinical and non-clinical samples. Starting from a lifetime approach, researchers of the Spectrum Project developed the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) that assesses threshold-level manifestations of unipolar and bipolar mood psychopathology, but also atypical symptoms, behavioral traits and temperamental features. The aim of the present study is to examine the structure of mania/hypomania using 68 items of the MOODS-SR that explore cognitive, mood and energy/activity features associated with mania/hypomania.

METHODS

A data pool of 617 patients with bipolar disorders, recruited at Pittsburgh and Pisa, Italy was used for this purpose. Classical exploratory factor analysis, based on a tetrachoric matrix, was carried out on the 68 items, followed by an Item Response Theory (IRT)-based factor analytic approach.

RESULTS

Nine factors were initially identified, that include Psychomotor Activation, Creativity, Mixed Instability, Sociability/Extraversion, Spirituality/Mysticism/Psychoticism, Mixed Irritability, Inflated Self-esteem, Euphoria, Wastefulness/Recklessness, and account overall for 56.4% of the variance of items. In a subsequent IRT-based bi-factor analysis, only five of them (Psychomotor Activation, Mixed Instability, Spirituality/Mysticism/Psychoticism, Mixed Irritability, Euphoria) were retained.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the central role of Psychomotor Activation in mania/hypomania and support the definitions of pure manic (Psychomotor Activation and Euphoria) and mixed manic (Mixed Instability and Mixed Irritability) components, bearing the opportunity to identify patients with specific profiles for a better clinical and neurobiological definition.

Diagnostic guidelines for bipolar disorder: a summary of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Diagnostic Guidelines Task Force Report

The Diagnostic Guidelines Task Force of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) presents in this document and this special issue a summary of the current nosological status of bipolar illness, a discussion of possible revisions to current DSM-IV and ICD-10 definitions, an examination of the relevant literature, explication of areas of consensus and dissensus, and proposed definitions that might guide clinicians in the most valid approach to diagnosis of these conditions given the current state of our knowledge.