A review of bipolar disorder in adults.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, assessment, and management of bipolar disorder. Special attention is paid to factors that complicate treatment, including nonadherence, comorbid disorders, mixed mania, and depression. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted from January of 1990 through December of 2005 using key terms of bipolar disorder, diagnosis, and treatment. Papers selected for further review included those published in English in peer-reviewed journals, with preference for articles based on randomized, controlled trials and consensus guidelines. Citations de-emphasized original mania trials as these are generally well known. RESULTS: Bipolar disorder is a major public health problem, with diagnosis often occurring years after onset of the disorder. comorbid conditions are common and difficult to treat. Management includes a lifetime course of medication, usually more than one, and attention to psychosocial issues for patients and their families. Management of mania is well-established. Research is increasing regarding management of depressive, mixed and cycling episodes, as well as combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder to manage, even for psychiatrists, because of its many episodes and comorbid disorders and nonadherence to treatment.

Psychiatric and substance use disorders as risk factors for low birth weight and preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the associations between psychiatric and substance use diagnoses and low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), and preterm delivery among all women delivering in California hospitals during 1995. METHODS: This population-based retrospective cohort analysis used linked hospital discharge and birth certificate data for 521,490 deliveries. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between maternal psychiatric and substance use hospital discharge diagnoses and LBW, VLBW, and preterm delivery while controlling for maternal demographic and medical characteristics. RESULTS: Women with psychiatric diagnoses had a significantly higher risk of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7, 2.3), VLBW (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.1, 3.9), and preterm delivery (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4, 1.9) compared with women without those diagnoses. Substance use diagnoses were also associated with higher risk of LBW (OR 3.7; 95% CI 3.4, 4.0), VLBW (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3, 3.3), and preterm delivery (OR 2.4; 95% CI 2.3, 2.6). CONCLUSION: Maternal psychiatric and substance use diagnoses were independently associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the population of women delivering in California in 1995. Identifying pregnant women with current psychiatric disorders and increased monitoring for preterm and low birth weight delivery among this population may be indicated.