Affective lability and social functioning in severe mental disorders.

Social functioning is impaired in severe mental disorders despite clinical remission, illustrating the need to identify other mechanisms that hinder psychosocial recovery. Affective lability is elevated and associated with an increased clinical burden in psychosis spectrum disorders. We aimed to investigate putative associations between affective lability and social functioning in 293 participants with severe mental disorders (schizophrenia- and bipolar spectrum), and if such an association was independent of well-established predictors of social impairments. The Affective Lability Scale (ALS-SF) was used to measure affective lability covering the dimensions of anxiety-depression, depression-elation and anger. The interpersonal domain of the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) was used to measure social functioning. Correlation analyses were conducted to investigate associations between affective lability and social functioning, followed by a hierarchical multiple regression and follow-up analyses in diagnostic subgroups. Features related to premorbid and clinical characteristics were entered as independent variables together with the ALS-SF scores. We found that higher scores on all ALS-SF subdimensions were significantly associated with lower social functioning (p < 0.005) in the total sample. For the anxiety-depression dimension of the ALS-SF, this association persisted after controlling for potential confounders such as premorbid social functioning, duration of untreated illness and current symptoms (p = 0.019). Our results indicate that elevated affective lability may have a negative impact on social functioning in severe mental disorders, which warrants further investigation. Clinically, it might be fruitful to target affective lability in severe mental disorders to improve psychosocial outcomes.

Locked out during COVID-19 lockdown-an online survey of relatives of people with psychotic and bipolar disorders in Norway.

BACKGROUND: Many relatives of people with psychotic and bipolar disorders experience a high caregiver burden normally. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, mental health services partly shut down in many countries. The impact on relatives is unknown. AIMS: Explore how relatives of people with psychotic and bipolar disorders experienced changes in treatment and service availability for their family member during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the spring of 2020, and to what extent they perceived information and support to be satisfactory. To help guide future contingency plans, we were also interested in what relatives would prioritize in the event of a future crisis. STUDY SETTING: We distributed an anonymous Norwegian online survey inviting relatives of individuals with psychotic and bipolar disorders. We distributed the survey using social media, through snowball sampling, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The survey was available between May and June 2020. We used systematic text condensation to analyse qualitative data. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine respondents replied, mostly mothers and partners. A majority experienced a reduction in health care for their family member. Most respondents did not receive any support during the lockdown. However, most found the information they received from the mental health services regarding their family members' treatment as sufficient. The qualitative data analysis revealed that relatives experienced three major challenges: reductions in treatment for the family member; reduced organised daily activity for the family member; and an increased caretaker load. In the case of a future lockdown, they would prefer increased access to care compared with a normal situation; increased support for relatives; and enhanced information. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health services in Norway did not manage to meet the needs of patients with severe mental illness and their relatives during the first COVID-19 lockdown. To be better prepared, Norwegian mental health services should consider prioritising infrastructure to ensure access to care and support for both patients and relatives. Digital tools and telephone calls are generally well accepted as substitutes for face-to-face contact.

COVID-19 lockdown - who cares? The first lockdown from the perspective of relatives of people with severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND: Informal care is vital to many people with severe mental illness under normal circumstances. Little is known about how extraordinary circumstances affect relatives with a family member with mental illness. This study investigated the consequences of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Norway from the perspective of relatives of persons with psychotic- and/or bipolar disorders: What were the challenges and for whom? METHOD: Relatives were invited to complete an online survey shortly after the first lockdown was initiated. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected concerning experiences of relatives' own and their affected family members' health and situation. Two hundred and seventy-nine relatives completed the survey, mostly mothers and partners. RESULTS: One-third of the relatives reported considerable deterioration in their family members' mental health, and a substantial minority worried about severe self-harm or suicide. Main themes in the qualitative analyses were "Isolation and its effects on mental health", "Worrying about the pandemic and its consequences", "Increased symptomatology" and "Suicide". Being a relative during the lockdown put heavy strain on the relatives' own health, in particular disturbance of sleep, concentration, and the ability to take care of others in the family. Relatives of family members with psychotic bipolar disorder, not currently in treatment, or living with their family experienced the situation especially challenging. CONCLUSIONS: Many relatives found the first lockdown hard for their family. Efforts to integrate relatives' perspectives in health care and contingency plans under normal circumstances could potentially alleviate some of the extra burden experienced by families during extraordinary circumstances.

Characterisation of age and polarity at onset in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Studying phenotypic and genetic characteristics of age at onset (AAO) and polarity at onset (PAO) in bipolar disorder can provide new insights into disease pathology and facilitate the development of screening tools. AIMS: To examine the genetic architecture of AAO and PAO and their association with bipolar disorder disease characteristics. METHOD: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and polygenic score (PGS) analyses of AAO (n = 12 977) and PAO (n = 6773) were conducted in patients with bipolar disorder from 34 cohorts and a replication sample (n = 2237). The association of onset with disease characteristics was investigated in two of these cohorts. RESULTS: Earlier AAO was associated with a higher probability of psychotic symptoms, suicidality, lower educational attainment, not living together and fewer episodes. Depressive onset correlated with suicidality and manic onset correlated with delusions and manic episodes. Systematic differences in AAO between cohorts and continents of origin were observed. This was also reflected in single-nucleotide variant-based heritability estimates, with higher heritabilities for stricter onset definitions. Increased PGS for autism spectrum disorder (ß = -0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), major depression (ß = -0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), schizophrenia (ß = -0.39 years, s.e. = 0.08), and educational attainment (ß = -0.31 years, s.e. = 0.08) were associated with an earlier AAO. The AAO GWAS identified one significant locus, but this finding did not replicate. Neither GWAS nor PGS analyses yielded significant associations with PAO. CONCLUSIONS: AAO and PAO are associated with indicators of bipolar disorder severity. Individuals with an earlier onset show an increased polygenic liability for a broad spectrum of psychiatric traits. Systematic differences in AAO across cohorts, continents and phenotype definitions introduce significant heterogeneity, affecting analyses.

Childhood maltreatment and polygenic risk in bipolar disorders.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment is a well-known risk factor for developing a more severe and complex form of bipolar disorders (BD). However, knowledge is scarce about the interactions between childhood maltreatment and underlying genetic vulnerability on the clinical expression of BD. METHOD: We assigned a BD-polygenic risk score (BD-PRS), calculated from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, to each individual in a sample of 402 cases with BD. The lifetime clinical expression of BD was characterized using structured interviews and patients completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess the severity of childhood maltreatment. RESULTS: Cases who reported more severe childhood maltreatment had a lower BD-PRS (rho = -0.12, P = .01), especially when considering emotional abuse (rho = -0.16, P = .001). An interaction between BD-PRS and childhood maltreatment was observed for the risk of rapid cycling (P = .01). No further interactions between BD-PRS and childhood maltreatment were observed for other clinical characteristics (age at onset, suicide attempts, number of mood episodes, mixed features, substance use disorders and psychotic symptoms). CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to show that less genetic risk may be needed to develop a more unstable form of BD when exposed to childhood maltreatment. Our study supports childhood trauma as an independent risk factor for BD.

Perceived and experienced stigma in first-episode psychosis: A 1-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: Perceived/experienced stigma and its relationship with clinical outcome were investigated across the first year of treatment in a large sample with first-episode psychosis (FEP). METHODS: FEP participants (n=112) in the TOP study were investigated at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Perceived/experienced stigma was measured with items from the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), assessing problems because of barriers and hindrances, and living with dignity because of attitudes and actions of others. Clinical outcome included: symptoms, global functioning, self-rated disability and self-rated life satisfaction. RESULTS: In the total sample, 46% perceived/experienced stigma at baseline, which decreased significantly to 32% at 1-year follow-up. Perceived/experienced stigma was present in 1/5 at both time-points (Sustained stigma), in 2/5 at only one time-point (Transient stigma), and in 2/5 it was not present at either time-point (No stigma). Compared to the No stigma group, the Sustained stigma group had significantly higher levels of positive, excited and depressive symptoms and self-rated disability, as well as lower levels of global functioning and life satisfaction at 1year follow-up, while the Transient stigma group only had poorer functioning and higher self-rated disability. Yet the outcome variables improved across the first year of treatment in all three stigma groups. CONCLUSION: Perceived/experienced stigma was common in FEP, yet the rate decreased across the first year of treatment. Although there was some clinical improvement across the first year of treatment irrespective of stigma, stigma was related to poorer clinical outcome in a bidirectional manner. This suggests that perceived/experienced stigma is an important target in the early stages of treatment.

Neurocognitive functioning, clinical course and functional outcome in first-treatment bipolar I disorder patients with and without clinical relapse: A 1-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: Due to limited research on the association between recurrence of mood episodes and the longitudinal course of neurocognitive functioning in early phase bipolar I disorder (BD I), the impact of recurrence on neurocognition remains unclear. Further, a strong correlation between neurocognitive impairment and functional impairment has been demonstrated. The longitudinal relationship between neurocognitive impairment and functional outcome in relation to recurrence is, however, not established. METHODS: The current study investigated the longitudinal relationship between neurocognition, recurrence of mood episodes and functional outcome in a sample of first-treatment (FT) BD I patients (N = 42), with and without relapse, during a 1-year follow-up period. The longitudinal course of neurocognitive functioning in the patients was also compared to that of a group of healthy controls (N = 143). RESULTS: Compared to both patients with relapse and healthy controls, no-relapse patients showed neurocognitive improvements. The polarity of the relapse episodes was mostly depressive, and for the no-relapse patients, reduction of symptoms was associated with neurocognitive improvement. No-relapse patients showed better global and occupational functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The current study found different neurocognitive and functional trajectories in FT BD I patients with and without relapse, with differences at follow-up to some degree being mediated by current symptoms. The current findings highlight the importance of treatment focusing on neurocognition and symptom states with the aim of improving functional recovery.

An exploration of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Metacognitive factors influence depression, but are largely unexplored in bipolar disorders. We examined i) differences in metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies between individuals with bipolar disorder and controls, and ii) to what extent clinical characteristics were related to levels of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in bipolar disorder. METHOD: Eighty patients with bipolar disorder were assessed for age at onset of affective disorder, number of affective episodes, symptoms of mania and depression, metacognitive beliefs (MCQ-30) and thought control strategies (TCQ). Control subjects (N=166) completed MCQ-30 and TCQ. Factors impacting on metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies were explored with multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Patients with bipolar disorder reported higher levels of unhelpful metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies than controls. Metacognitive beliefs were mainly influenced by depressive symptoms, and age at onset of affective illness. Thought control strategies were mainly influenced by metacognitive beliefs and age at onset of affective illness. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that metacognitive beliefs and control strategies are relevant in bipolar disorder. Depression and age at onset of affective disorder could contribute to metacognitive beliefs in bipolar disorder, and influence the use of thought control strategies. This indicates potential relationships that warrant further investigation for clinical relevance.

History of psychosis and previous episodes as potential explanatory factors for neurocognitive impairment in first-treatment bipolar I disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Explanatory factors for the observed neurocognitive impairment in early-stage bipolar I disorder (BD-I) have received little attention. The current study investigated neurocognitive functioning in first-treatment (FT) BD-I compared to FT schizophrenia (SCZ), and healthy controls (HCs), and the effect of history of psychosis and previous episodes in the two clinical groups. METHODS: A total of 202 FT patients with BD-I (n = 101) and SCZ spectrum disorder (n = 101), in addition to HCs (n = 101), were included. A comprehensive neurocognitive test battery was used to assess verbal learning and memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and attention and working memory. Neurocognitive functioning and the effect of history of psychosis and number of previous episodes were analyzed using separate multivariate analyses of variance and correlation analysis. RESULTS: FT patients with BD-I performed intermediately between FT SCZ spectrum patients and HCs on all measures. Compared to HCs, FT BD-I showed impaired functioning across all neurocognitive domains. No differences in neurocognitive functioning were observed in psychotic versus nonpsychotic FT patients with BD-I. With the exception of an association between number of manic episodes and two measures of executive function in FT BD-I, no associations were found between number of episodes and neurocognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive impairments were present in FT BD-I, and were not explained by history of psychosis or number of previous psychotic or depressive episodes. There were indications that executive function could be associated with number of previous manic episodes.

A history of childhood trauma is associated with slower improvement rates: Findings from a one-year follow-up study of patients with a first-episode psychosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether childhood trauma was associated with more severe clinical features in patients with first-episode psychosis, both at the initial assessment and after one year. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with a first-episode of a DSM-IV diagnosis of psychosis, in addition to 264 healthy controls from the same catchment area, were recruited to the TOP NORMENT study. A history of childhood trauma was obtained using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Function and symptom severity were measured using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale divided into function (GAF-F) and symptoms (GAF-S), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). All clinical assessments were completed at two time points: At an initial assessment within the first year of initiating treatment for psychosis and after one year. RESULTS: Childhood trauma was associated with significantly reduced global functioning and more severe clinical symptoms at both baseline and follow-up, whereas emotional neglect was associated with a significantly reduced improvement rate for global functioning (GAF-F) over the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that patients with first-episode psychosis who report a history of childhood trauma constitute a subgroup characterized by more severe clinical features over the first year of treatment, as well as slower improvement rates.

Occupational outcome in bipolar disorder is not predicted by premorbid functioning and intelligence.

OBJECTIVES: Bipolar disorder (BD), over the long term, can manifest a variety of outcomes depending on a number of different conditions. There is a need for further knowledge regarding preventive factors as well as predictors of the disabling course of the disorder. Studies regarding the impact on functional outcome of premorbid and current general intellectual function [intelligence quotient (IQ)] and premorbid functioning in BD patients are sparse. The present study addressed the role of premorbid functioning [assessed with the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS)], intelligence, course of illness, and sociodemographics on occupational outcome in BD. METHODS: Bipolar disorder patients were recruited consecutively from psychiatric units (outpatient and inpatient) in four major hospitals in Oslo, Norway [(N = 226: 64.4% bipolar I disorder (BD-I); 30.1% bipolar II disorder (BD-II); 5.5% bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BD-NOS); 38.6% males]. The associations between current IQ, premorbid IQ [assessed using the National Adult Reading Test (NART)], PAS, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and receipt of disability benefit were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The number of hospitalizations for depressive episodes and illness duration was associated with a higher risk of receipt of disability benefit. PAS, premorbid and current IQ, as well as decline in IQ, did not explain the higher risk of receipt of disability benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Severe clinical course of BD was associated with receipt of disability benefit. Occupational outcome was unrelated to PAS, premorbid and current IQ, as well as decline in IQ. This suggests that the persistence of severe clinical symptoms, rather than global cognitive functioning, determines occupational outcome in BD and emphasizes the protective potential of early and continuous clinical treatment.

Social functioning in first contact mania: clinical and neurocognitive correlates.

PURPOSE: To study social functioning, and its relationship with clinical and neurocognitive variables, in patients having their first treatment contact for a manic episode. METHODS: A total of 55 first contact mania patients, 34 with a first manic episode (FM) and 21 with previously untreated manic episodes (PM), and 110 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex and education to the patient group, completed the Social Functioning Scale (SFS), a self-reported assessment of social functioning. The patients also completed a broad neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS: Both patient groups scored significantly lower on self-rated social functioning compared to healthy controls, with PM patients reporting significantly lower functioning than FM patients. There were no significant correlations between clinical symptoms and social functioning. On a trend level, a reduced SFS score was associated with more cannabis use, higher levels of depression and more depressive episodes as well as an earlier age at onset. There was no significant association between social function and neurocognition. CONCLUSIONS: Social dysfunction was present in patients with BD at first treatment contact-the main predictors of which being the severity of clinical symptoms.

Retrospectively assessed childhood trauma experiences are associated with illness severity in mental disorders adjusted for symptom state.

Converging evidence suggests that childhood trauma is a causal factor in schizophrenia (SZ) and in bipolar disorders (BD). Here, we investigated whether retrospective reports are associated with severity of illness, independent of current symptom state in a large sample of participants with SZ or BD. We included 1260 individuals (SZ [n = 461], BD [n = 352]), and healthy controls; HC [n = 447]) recruited from the same catchment area. A history of childhood trauma was obtained with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Diagnosis and episodes were obtained with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Clinical symptoms (state) were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale (CDSS). Trait related illness characteristics were assessed with age at illness onset, number of episodes, and lifetime suicide attempts. Patients who reported multiple types of childhood trauma experiences had significantly more severe illness course including an earlier illness onset, more mood episodes, and increased risk of at least one suicide attempt, also after adjusting for current symptom state. Retrospective assessed childhood trauma experiences are associated with illness severity in mental disorders adjusted for symptom state. Our results strengthen the role of childhood trauma in development of psychopathology.

Neurocognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder (BD) is well established in the literature; however, there are few studies of neurocognition in patients early in the course of the illness. In this study we compare neurocognitive function in a cohort of first-contact mania patients with a healthy control group matched for age, gender, and education. METHODS: Patients with a first manic episode (FM) (n = 34) or previous untreated manic episodes (PM) (n = 21) were neuropsychologically tested following their first treated manic episode. A total of 110 matched healthy control comparison subjects were also tested. The following cognitive domains were evaluated: verbal and visual learning and memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and IQ. Results were corrected for speed of processing differences and were compared with previously reported results for multiple-episode BD patients. RESULTS: BD patients early in their disease course showed impairments in psychomotor speed, attention, learning and memory, executive functioning, and IQ. When controlling for speed of processing, measures of visuoconstructive reasoning and motor dexterity remained statistically significant. Eighteen percent of FM and 16% of PM patients were found to have clinically significant neurocognitive impairment. No significant relationship between clinical symptoms and neurocognition was found. The first-contact mania patients studied were found to have smaller neurocognitive deficits compared to multiple-episode patients in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive dysfunction is present in early BD and is clinically significant for a proportion of patients. Our findings also suggest that neurocognitive dysfunction may increase with illness progression.

Developing "MinDag" - an app to capture symptom variation and illness mechanisms in bipolar disorder.

Introduction: The illness course of bipolar disorder (BD) is highly heterogeneous with substantial variation between individuals with the same BD subtype and within individuals over time. This heterogeneity is not well-delineated and hampers the development of more targeted treatment. Furthermore, although lifestyle-related behaviors are believed to play a role in the illness course, such mechanisms are poorly understood. To address some of these knowledge gaps, we aimed to develop an app for collection of multi-dimensional longitudinal data on BD-relevant symptoms and lifestyle-related behaviors. Methods: An app named MinDag was developed at the Norwegian Center for Mental Disorders Research in Oslo, Norway. The app was designed to tap into selected areas: mood, sleep, functioning/activities (social, occupational, physical exercise, leisure), substance use, emotional reactivity, and psychotic experiences. Ethical, security and usability issues were highly prioritized throughout the development and for the final app solution. We conducted beta- and pilot testing to eliminate technical problems and enhance usability and acceptability. Results: The final version of MinDag comprises six modules; three which are presented for the user once daily (the Sleep module in the morning and the Mood and Functoning/Activities modules in the evening) and three which are presented once weekly (Substance Use, Emotional Reactivity, and Psychotic Experiences modules). In general, MinDag was well received in both in the beta-testing and the pilot study, and the participants provided valuable feedback that was taken into account in the final development. MinDag is now in use as part of the research protocol at the NORMENT center and in a specialized treatment unit for BD at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. Discussion: We believe that MinDag will generate unique longitudinal data well suited for capturing the heterogeneity of BD and clarifying important unresolved issues such as how life-style related behavior may influence BD symptoms. Also, the experiences and knowledge derived from the development of MinDag may contribute to improving the security, acceptability, and benefit of digital tools in mental health.

Preventive Medication Patterns in Bipolar Disorder and Their Relationship With Comorbid Substance Use Disorders in a Cross-National Observational Study.

Objective: The potential role of sub-optimal pharmacological treatment in the poorer outcomes observed in bipolar disorder (BD) with vs. without comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) is not known. Thus, we investigated whether patients with BD and comorbid SUD had different medication regimens than those with BD alone, in samples from France and Norway, focusing on compliance to international guidelines. Methods: Seven hundred and seventy patients from France and Norway with reliably ascertained BD I or II (68% BD-I) were included. Medication information was obtained from patients and hospital records, and preventive treatment was categorized according to compliance to guidelines. We used Bayesian and regression analyses to investigate associations between SUD comorbidity and medication. In the Norwegian subsample, we also investigated association with lack of medication. Results: Comorbid SUDs were as follows: current tobacco smoking, 26%, alcohol use disorder (AUD), 16%; cannabis use disorder (CUD), 10%; other SUDs, 5%. Compliance to guidelines for preventive medication was lacking in 8%, partial in 44%, and complete in 48% of the sample. Compliance to guidelines was not different in BD with and without SUD comorbidity, as was supported by Bayesian analyses (highest Bayes Factor = 0.16). Cross national differences in treatment regimens led us to conduct country-specific adjusted regression analyses, showing that (1) CUD was associated with increased antipsychotics use in France (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4-3.9, p = 0.001), (2) current tobacco smoking was associated with increased anti-epileptics use in Norway (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.9-11, p < 0.001), and (3) AUD was associated with decreased likelihood of being medicated in Norway (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.04-1.3, p = 0.038). Conclusion: SUD comorbidity in BD was overall not associated with different pharmacological treatment in our sample, and not related to the level of compliance to guidelines. We found country-specific associations between comorbid SUDs and specific medications that warrant further studies.

Decreased self-reported arousal in schizophrenia during aversive picture viewing compared to bipolar disorder and healthy controls.

Both schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are associated with disturbances in emotion processing. Previous studies suggest that patients with SCZ assess unpleasant pictures as less arousing than healthy controls (HC), while patients with BD assess neutral pictures as more arousing than HC. No previous studies have investigated whether there is a difference in emotional response across all three groups. Our aim was to explore whether there was a difference in the evaluation of valence and in arousal between SCZ, BD and HC for aversive and neutral pictures. We showed 72 pictures (neutral, non-socially aversive and socially aversive) from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) to 347 subjects. There was a clear interaction effect between the diagnostic group and increasing picture aversiveness for both valence and arousal. There were no significant differences in valence ratings between the different groups or in arousal ratings on any type of stimuli between BD patients and HC. However, SCZ patients reported significantly lower arousal for aversive stimuli, particularly with a social content, when compared to BD patients and HC. This was more pronounced in females. The presence of lifetime psychotic symptoms did not influence emotional responses.

Excessive cannabis use is associated with earlier age at onset in bipolar disorder.

The aim of the study was to investigate which factors are associated with age at onset in bipolar disorder with a specific focus on excessive alcohol and cannabis use, and the sequence of the onsets of excessive substance use and bipolar disorder. We investigated a naturalistic sample of 151 patients with bipolar I and II disorder receiving psychiatric treatment. Whether the presence of excessive substance use prior to bipolar disorder onset or the type of substance used (alcohol or cannabis) was associated with differences in age at onset was investigated using hierarchical and multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. Patients with excessive alcohol use had a significantly later onset compared with patients with excessive cannabis use. Excessive general substance use prior to bipolar disorder onset was associated with a later onset. However, excessive cannabis use was associated with an earlier onset whether it preceded or followed bipolar disorder onset, also after adjusting for possible confounders. Excessive use of alcohol or other substances was not independently associated with age at onset in multivariate analyses. Alcohol use was associated with a later onset compared with cannabis use, suggesting different relationships to the onset of bipolar disorder. Lifetime use of cannabis predicted an earlier onset, independent of the sequence of onsets. This indicates that an early onset may increase the risk of cannabis use and that cannabis use may trigger bipolar disorder in vulnerable individuals.

Characterization of affective lability across subgroups of psychosis spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Affective lability is elevated and associated with increased clinical burden in psychosis spectrum disorders. The extent to which the level, structure and dispersion of affective lability varies between the specific disorders included in the psychosis spectrum is however unclear. To have potential value as a treatment target, further characterization of affective lability in these populations is necessary. The main aim of our study was to investigate differences in the architecture of affective lability in different psychosis spectrum disorders, and if putative differences remained when we controlled for current symptom status. METHODS: Affective lability was measured with The Affective Lability Scale Short Form (ALS-SF) in participants with schizophrenia (SZ, n = 76), bipolar I disorder (BD-I, n = 105), bipolar II disorder (BD-II, n = 68) and a mixed psychosis-affective group (MP, n = 48). Multiple analyses of covariance were conducted to compare the ALS-SF total and subdimension scores of the diagnostic groups, correcting for current psychotic, affective and anxiety symptoms, substance use and sex. Double generalized linear models were performed to compare the dispersion of affective lability in the different groups. RESULTS: Overall group differences in affective lability remained significant after adjusting for covariates (p = .001). BD-II had higher affective lability compared to SZ and BD-I (p = .004), with no significant differences between SZ and BD-I. There were no significant differences in the contributions of ALS-SF dimensions to the total affective lability or in dispersion of affective lability between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the construct of affective lability in psychosis spectrum disorders with more granular details that may have implications for research and clinical care. It demonstrates that despite overlap in core symptom profiles, BD-I is more similar to SZ than it is to BD-II concerning affective lability and the BD groups should consequently be studied apart. Further, affective lability appears to be characterized by fluctuations between depressive- and other affective states across different psychosis spectrum disorders, indicating that affective lability may be related to internalizing problems in these disorders. Finally, although the level varies between groups, affective lability is evenly spread and not driven by extremes across psychosis spectrum disorders and should be assessed irrespective of diagnosis.

Affective lability across psychosis spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Despite apparent clinical remission, individuals with psychotic disorders often experience significant impairments across functional domains. Thus, there is a need to search beyond management of core symptoms to optimize treatment outcomes. Affective dysregulation is considered a risk factor for poor clinical and functional outcomes in many mental disorders, but research investigating such features in psychosis, particularly in schizophrenia, is limited. We aimed to investigate the level of affective lability (AL) in participants with schizophrenia- and bipolar spectrum disorders (n = 222) compared to healthy controls (n = 140), as well as clinical correlates of AL in the diagnostic groups. METHODS: The Affective Lability Scale (ALS-SF) was used to measure total score of AL and subscores covering the domains of anxiety/depression, depression/elation, and anger. An analysis of covariance was performed to compare the ALS-SF total score between groups, correcting for potential confounders, as well as standard multiple regression analyses for diagnosis-specific investigations of the relationship between AL and demographic and clinical features. RESULTS: Both the schizophrenia- and bipolar spectrum group had significantly higher ALS-SF total score compared to controls (p < 0.001), and no significant differences between the patient groups were found. In the schizophrenia group, current psychotic and depressive symptoms were significantly and independently associated with AL (p = 0.012 and p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that AL is elevated in psychotic disorders and that it transcends diagnostic boundaries. Further research into the causal relationship between psychotic and affective symptoms and AL, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target in psychosis spectrum disorders, is warranted.