Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a marker of the risk of developing mania in people with bi-polar disorder.
- Manic episodes are characteristic of patients with bi-polar disorder.
- Neurobiological and clinical measures were used to assess the risk of a manic episode.
- This discovery paves the way for more targeted treatments in bipolar patients.
Mania is a hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder. It is manifested by an increase in mood, a euphoric state unrelated to a particular context, as well as psychological and physical excitement. A hypomanic state is an attenuated form of a manic state. People with bi-polar disorder may experience periods of mania that alternate with periods of depression.
A study to identify the risk marker for mania
Faced with the complexity of bipolar disorder, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh undertook an in-depth study to identify a marker of the risk of developing mania in people with this disease. They hypothesized that high reward sensitivity, impulsivity as well as circadian characteristics of sleep could be a signature of increased risk for mania. For this, they evaluated study participants over a period of 6 to 12 months, using neurobiological and clinical measures.
High manic symptoms in bi-polar patients
The study results showed that people at high risk for bi-polar disorder already had elevated manic symptoms at the start of the study. By analyzing the collected data, the researchers were able to identify specific patterns of reward, impulsivity and sleep alterations in high-risk individuals. This combination of factors constitutes a signature of the risk of developing mania.
A breakthrough in the management of bi-polar disorders
This discovery constitutes a major advance in the management of bi-polar disorders. By identifying early on who is most likely to develop symptoms of mania, it is possible to put in place targeted interventions to prevent the onset of more serious disorders. Thanks to this new information, healthcare professionals will be able to better assess the risk in patients with bipolar disorder and adapt treatments accordingly. This will improve their quality of life and reduce the negative consequences of the disease.
New perspectives in the field of psychiatry
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh intend to continue their work to explore the mechanisms underlying this signature of mania risk. They also want to study the effectiveness of targeted treatments on people identified as being at high risk. This research opens new perspectives in the field of psychiatry and could contribute to improving the understanding and management of bi-polar disorders.
