Publication Date

2014

Journal Title

Bipolar Disord

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the prodrome to mania in youth. Methods: New-onset/worsening symptoms/signs of >= moderate severity preceding first mania were systematically assessed in 52 youth (16.2 +/- 2.8 years) with a research diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (BD-I). Youth and/or caregivers underwent semi-structured interviews, using the Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective. Results: The mania prodrome was reported to start gradually in most youth (88.5%), with either slow (59.6%) or rapid (28.8%) deterioration, while a rapid-onset-and-deterioration prodrome was rare (11.5%). The manic prodrome, conservatively defined as requiring >= 3 symptoms, lasted 10.3 +/- 14.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3-14.4], being present for >= 4 months in 65.4% of subjects. Among prodromal symptoms reported in >= 50% of youth, three were subthreshold manic in nature (irritability: 61.5%, racing thoughts: 59.6%, increased energy/activity: 50.0%), two were nonspecific (decreased school/work functioning: 65.4%, mood swings/lability: 57.7%), and one each was depressive (depressed mood: 53.8%) or subthreshold manic/depressive (inattention: 51.9%). A decreasing number of youth had >= 1 (84.6%), >= 2 (48.1%), or >= 3 (26.9%) 'specific' subthreshold mania symptoms (i.e., elation, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, or hypersexuality), lasting 9.5 +/- 14.9 months (95% CI: 5.0-14.0), 3.5 +/- 3.5 months (95% CI: 2.0-4.9), and 3.0 +/- 3.2 months (95% CI: 1.0-5.0) for >= 1, >= 2, or >= 3 specific symptoms, respectively. Conclusions: In youth with BD-I, a relatively long, predominantly slowonset mania prodrome appears to be common, including subthreshold manic and depressive psychopathology symptoms. This suggests that early clinical identification and intervention may be feasible in bipolar disorder. Identifying biological markers associated with clinical symptoms of impending mania may help to increase chances for early detection and prevention before full mania.

Volume Number

16

Issue Number

5

Pages

478-492

Document Type

Article

EPub Date

2014/03/07

Status

Faculty, Northwell Researcher

Facility

School of Medicine; Northwell Health

Primary Department

Psychiatry

Additional Departments

Molecular Medicine

PMID

24597782

DOI

10.1111/bdi.12194


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Psychiatry Commons

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