Chronotype is associated with affective temperaments, clinical severity and worse treatment outcomes in bipolar disorders: results from a two-center, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at investigating the clinical correlates of evening chronotype in a population of subjects suffering from bipolar disorders (BD). METHODS: We assessed chronotype using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. We administered the brief Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, and San Diego, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Alda Scale to evaluate affective temperaments, impulsiveness, and response to mood stabilisers. We performed bivariate analyses and ran a logistic regression model to analyse clinical variables associated with evening chronotype. RESULTS: In our sample (n = 178), subjects with an evening chronotype (n = 56, 31.5%) more often suffered from BD type I and reported higher prevalence of seasonality, antidepressant-induced mood switches, psychotic, aggressive, mixed, and anxiety features, and substance use disorders. The number of lifetime suicide attempts and mood episodes was higher in this subgroup. Depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament scores were higher among evening-chronotype subjects, who also displayed greater levels of impulsiveness and worse treatment response. At the logistic regression, evening chronotype was associated with depressive and irritable temperaments. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with evening chronotype display higher clinical severity and worse BD course. Clinicians should evaluate the presence of evening chronotype in BD subjects, especially in those with irritable or depressive temperament.Key pointsEvening chronotype is a frequent clinical feature in subjects suffering from bipolar disorders (BD);Affective temperaments, particularly depressive and irritable, are associated with evening chronotype in BD;Evening chronotype underpins higher severity of the clinical picture in BD, as well as a worse response to mood stabiliser treatment;Circadian preferences should be systematically assessed in subjects suffering from BD, with particular attention to evening preference.

Clinical and psychopathological correlates of duration of untreated illness (DUI) in affective spectrum disorders.

Affective disorders represent psychopathological entities lying on a continuum, characterized by high prevalence and functional impairment. A delay in treatment initiation might increase the burden associated with affective spectrum disorders. The present study was aimed at analyzing the correlates of a long duration of untreated illness (DUI) in these conditions. We recruited subjects diagnosed with affective disorders, both in- and outpatients, and collected information concerning socio-demographic, clinical, and psychopathological characteristics. Long DUI was defined according to previous research criteria as >2 years for Bipolar Disorders or >1 year for Depressive Disorders. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare subjects with a long and short DUI (p<0.05). A logistic regression was operated to evaluate the correlates of long DUI. In the present sample (n=135), 34.1% (n=46) subjects showed a long DUI. This subgroup presented with more physical comorbidities (p=0.003), higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001), more frequent anxiety onset (p=0.018), younger onset age (p=0.042), and more severe depressive symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale item 1-depressed mood (p=0.032) and item 2-guilt feelings (p=0.018)). At the logistic regression, higher severity of depressed mood (OR 1.568), higher BMI (OR 1.264), and younger age at onset (OR 0.935) were associated with long DUI. The present study confirmed a possible role of DUI as a construct underpinning higher clinical severity in affective spectrum disorders, possibly linked to worse illness course and unfavorable outcomes. Intervention strategies targeting physical comorbidities and depressive symptoms severity may decrease disease burden in subjects with a long DUI.

Sex Differences in Bipolar Disorders: Impact on Psychopathological Features and Treatment Response.

Introduction: Sex differences were demonstrated in bipolar disorders (BD) concerning epidemiological, clinical, and psychopathological characteristics, but consensus is lacking. Moreover, data concerning the influence of sex on treatment response in BD is contrasting. The present cross-sectional study aimed to analyze sex differences in a population of BD subjects, with specific focus on psychopathological features and treatment response. Materials and Methods: Subjects diagnosed with BD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th version (DSM-5) were recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Mania Rating Scale (MRS), the brief version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa and San Diego-Münster version (briefTEMPS-M), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 items (BIS-11) were used for psychopathological assessment. Treatment response was appraised with the Alda Scale. We performed bivariate analyses to compare socio-demographic, clinical, and psychopathological characteristics between men and women (p < 0.05). A logistic regression was run to analyze features that were significantly associated with female sex. Results: Among the recruited 219 BD subjects, 119 (54.3%) were females. Women had a lower scholarity (p = 0.015) and were less frequently employed (p = 0.001). As for psychopathological features, a higher MRS total score (p < 0.001) was detected among women, as well as higher BIS-11 total score (p = 0.040), and briefTEMPS-M score for anxious temperament (p = 0.006). Men showed higher prevalence of DSM-5 mixed features (p = 0.025), particularly during a depressive episode (p = 0.014). Women reported longer duration of untreated illness (DUI) (p < 0.001). There were no sex differences in the Alda Scale total score when considering the whole sample, but this was significantly higher among men (p = 0.030) when evaluating subjects treated with anticonvulsants. At the logistic regression, female sex was positively associated with longer DUI (p < 0.001; OR 1.106, 95% CI 1.050-1.165) and higher MRS total score (p < 0.001; OR 1.085, 95% CI 1.044-1.128) and negatively associated with employment (p = 0.003; OR 0.359, 95% CI 0.185-0.698) and DSM-5 mixed features (p = 0.006; OR 0.391, 95% CI 0.200-0.762). Conclusions: The clinical presentation of BD may differ depending on sex. The severity of BD should not be neglected among women, who may also display worse treatment response to anticonvulsants.

Substance use disorders in bipolar disorders: Clinical correlates and treatment response to mood stabilizers.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUD) in bipolar disorders (BD) present relevant impact on psychopathological features and illness course. The present study was aimed at analyzing the clinical correlates of this comorbidity. METHODS: In- and outpatients suffering from BD were recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Subjects underwent a psychopathological assessment evaluating affective temperaments and impulsiveness. The appraisal of treatment response to mood stabilizers was conducted with the Alda Scale. Bivariate analyses were used to compare subjects suffering from BD with (SUD-BD) or without comorbid SUD (nSUD-BD) (p<0.05). A logistic regression model was performed to identify specific correlates of SUD in BD. RESULTS: Among the 161 included subjects, 63 (39.1%) were diagnosed with comorbid SUD. SUD-BD subjects showed younger age at onset (p = 0.003) and higher prevalence of BD type I diagnosis (BDI) (p<0.001). Furthermore, lifetime mixed features (p<0.001), psychotic symptoms (p<0.001), suicide attempts (p = 0.002), aggression (p = 0.003), antidepressant-induced manic switch (p = 0.003), and poor treatment response (p<0.001) were more frequent in the SUD-BD subgroup. At the logistic regression, SUD revealed a positive association with BD type I diagnosis (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.77, 95% CI 1.66-13.71, p = 0.004) and mixed features (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.17-5.53, p = 0.019). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional study design and the relatively small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. The retrospective evaluation of comorbid SUD could have biased the outcome assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with BD and SUD are characterized by higher clinical severity and require careful assessment of treatment response.

New determinants of mental health: the role of noise pollution. A narrative review.

Urbanisation processes and anthropogenic actions led to a significant increase in pollution levels, with relevant consequences on global health. In particular, noise pollution demonstrated an association with cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases. Furthermore, increasing evidence underlined the possible role of air and noise pollution in the development of psychiatric disorders. In this narrative review, evidence concerning the relationship between noise pollution and the emergence of psychiatric symptoms or psychiatric disorders is summarised. After the literature search process was completed, 40 papers were included in the present review. The exposure to road-, rail-, and air- traffic represented a risk factor for the emergence of affective disorders. This could also be mediated by the occurrence of circadian rhythms disturbances or by noise annoyance and noise sensitivity, both influencing psychological well-being and health-related quality of life. Fewer studies concentrated on special populations, particularly pregnant women and children, for whom noise pollution was confirmed as a risk factor for psychopathology. The better clarification of the complex interaction between noise pollution and mental health may help to identify subjects at risk and targeting specific prevention and intervention strategies in the urban environment.

Does Post-Traumatic Spectrum Comorbidity Influence Symptom Severity in Bipolar Disorders? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Real-World Setting.

BACKGROUND: The present cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity and the severity of symptoms in subjects diagnosed with Bipolar Disorders (BD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In- and outpatients diagnosed with BD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) were consecutively recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Psychopathology was evaluated by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological characteristics of BD subjects with and without sub-threshold PTSD were compared by means of bivariate analyses (p<0.05). RESULTS: BD subjects with post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity (n=24.49%) presented a significantly higher number of hospitalizations when compared to those who did not present the co-occurrence of the two conditions (2.67±2.3 versus 1.65±2.32, p=0.039). As for treatment features, subjects with subthreshold PTSD were more frequently prescribed benzodiazepines at the moment of evaluation or in the past (n=18, 100% versus n=22.55%, p=0.032). When assessing differences in terms of psychopathological characteristics, subjects with subthreshold PTSD showed higher HAM-D total score (16.22±9.06 versus 10.22±7.23, p=0.032) and higher PANSS negative symptom scale score (16.06±6.92 versus 11.41±4.68, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the present study suggest that subthreshold PTSD may underpin higher symptom severity and worse outcomes when occurring as a comorbid condition in BD.

Searching for factors associated with the "Revolving Door phenomenon" in the psychiatric inpatient unit: A 5-year retrospective cohort study.

The revolving door (RD) phenomenon refers to subjects who undergo frequent rehospitalizations in psychiatric units. The main aim of this study was to analyze clinical factors associated with RD in acute inpatient psychiatric ward. In a 5-year cohort study, subjects hospitalized three or more times in 12 months (revolving door subjects-RDS) were identified. A total of 1,324 subjects were hospitalized. RDS represented 6.3% (n = 84) of the entire sample with a total of 337 RD hospitalizations (revolving door hospitalizations-RDH) (16.7% of all admissions). RDS were younger, unmarried, with comorbid substance related disorders, with mood or psychotic disorders and affected by comorbid medical conditions. After controlling for age, sex and marital status, the most strongly associated variable with RDH was the comorbidity between mood and substance use disorders. Other associated factors were the presence of a comorbid medical condition and a longer length of stay. The commitment to community residential facilities and the treatment with a first generation long-acting antipsychotic were also associated with RDH. On the contrary, admissions to the psychiatric unit for manic/hypomanic episode or for self-directed harmful behavior were inversely associated with RDH. Attention should be given to these clinical variables in order to reduce RD.

Comorbidities, Depression Severity, and Circadian Rhythms Disturbances as Clinical Correlates of Duration of Untreated Illness in Affective Disorders.

Background and Objectives: Affective disorders, namely bipolar (BDs) and depressive disorders (DDs) are characterized by high prevalence and functional impairment. From a dimensional point of view, BDs and DDs can be considered as psychopathological entities lying on a continuum. A delay in treatment initiation might increase the burden associated with affective disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlates of a long duration of untreated illness (DUI) in these conditions. Materials and Methods: Subjects with BDs and DDs, both in- and outpatients, were recruited. Long DUI was defined according to previous research criteria as >2 years for BDs or >1 year for DDs. Socio-demographic, clinical and psychopathological characteristics of the recruited subjects were collected. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare subjects with a long and short DUI (p < 0.05). Results: In our sample (n = 61), 34.4% of subjects presented a long DUI. A long DUI was significantly associated with longer overall illness duration (p = 0.022) and a higher rate of psychiatric (p = 0.048) and physical comorbidities (p = 0.023). As for psychopathological features, depressive symptoms were more severe in the long DUI subgroup, as demonstrated by a higher score at the Clinical Global Impression-severity of depression (p = 0.012) item and at the anxiety/depression factor of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (p = 0.041). Furthermore, subjects with a long DUI displayed more severe disruption of circadian rhythms, as evaluated by the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry total (p = 0.044) and social domain (p = 0.005) scores and by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale diurnal variation items (18a: p = 0.029, 18b: p = 0.047). Conclusions: A long DUI may underpin higher clinical severity, as well as worse illness course and unfavorable prognosis in affective disorders. Intervention strategies targeting comorbidities, depressive symptoms and circadian rhythms may decrease disease burden in subjects with a long DUI.

"Revolving door" and Bipolar Disorders: a retrospective study in an acute inpatient unit.

INTRODUCTION: The present retrospective study investigated clinical correlates of the revolving door (RD) phenomenon in a population of subjects affected by Bipolar Disorders (BDs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records of subjects with BDs admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit over a 5-year period of time were retrospectively reviewed and clinical data were extracted into an electronic dataset. "Revolving Door Subjects" (RDS) were defined as those who presented three or more "Revolving Door Hospitalizations" (RDH) during twelve months. Features of RDH were compared with non-RDH in order to identify characteristics associated with RD phenomenon and possible risk factors for readmission. To explore predictors of RDH, a stepwise backword logistic regression model was built, including the variables that were significantly associated with RDH in the bivariate analyses. RESULTS: In our sample of 176 subjects affected by BDs, 53 (19.9%) RDH were identified. In the RDH group, a higher prevalence of mixed episodes (p=0.029) and medical co-morbidities (p=0.004) was detected. Subjects with repeated hospitalizations were more often committed to psychiatric residential facilities at discharge (p=0.002). Treatment features related to RDH were represented by a higher prescription rate of atypical antipsychotics (p=0.030), benzodiazepines (p=0.001) and antidepressants (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the present study suggest that the early identification and treatment of medical comorbidities and specific clinical features of BDs may help reducing the RD phenomenon in this population of subjects.

A Dual Therapeutic Setting Model Experience for Schizotypal Personality Disorder in an Inpatient Unit.

G.B., 21-year-old patient of Albanian origin suffering from acute psychotic burning on schizotypal personality disorder induced by substance abuse, was admitted to the Psychiatric Service at Perugia' General Hospital, Italy. On admission, antipsychotic therapy was set up which had the role to reduced delusional and hallucinatory symptoms but the suspiciousness, the presence of magical thought and the closure towards surrounding world that characterize it, combined with the presence of intrusive images, consequently increased the anxiety experiences and negatively affects the establishment of a therapeutic relationship with the operators. During the hospitalization, daily support interviews were carried out: G.B. showed clear difficulty in expressing his own thought contents in presence of more than two operators emerged jointly with the tendency to project different emotional experiences based on the gender of the operator. Following these observations, with the aim to carrying out an intervention that could integrate a psychological approach to the pharmacological therapy in place, a specific personalized support setting was set up, consisting of a female and a male operator. This setting was structured coherently with the therapeutic goals to be achieved: creation of a therapeutic alliance, the integration of the patient's emotional experiences and containing the splitting through the transference analysis. By means of this setting, the patient has obtained a substantial improvement of the splitting framework allowing a better integration of his emotional experiences. At the end of the sessions, G.B. showed more confidence with the medical staff and showed himself to be more aware of his pathological and non-pathological mental states and consequently more adherent to taking drug therapy and to the continuation of post-discharge psychological therapy.