A comprehensive review and model of putative prodromal features of bipolar affective disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Identifying prodromal features that predate the onset of bipolar disorder (BD) may enable the prevention of BD and aid early intervention. This review addresses two key questions: Is there a bipolar prodrome? And, if there is, what are its characteristic features?

Method

A comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO) supplemented by hand searches was used to identify studies of symptoms preceding the onset of BD.

Results

Fifty-nine studies were identified, of which 14 met inclusion criteria. Symptoms can predate the onset of BD by months to years and can be categorized as attenuated forms of BD symptoms, general symptoms common to a range of mental disorders, and personality traits, particularly cyclothymia. Two studies provided

SUBMITTER: Howes OD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3687203 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature