Predictors of switching from mania to depression in a large observational study across Europe (EMBLEM).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The risk of switching from mania to depression in bipolar disorder has been poorly studied. Large observational studies may be useful in identifying variables that predict switch to depression after mania and provide data on medication use and outcomes in "real world" patients.

METHOD:

EMBLEM (European Mania in Bipolar Longitudinal Evaluation of Medication) is a 2-year, prospective, observational study of patients with a manic/mixed episode. Symptom severity measures included Clinical Global Impression-Bipolar Disorder scale (CGI-BP), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and 5-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Switching was defined using CGI-BP mania and depression such that patients changed from manic and not depressed to depressed but not manic over two consecutive observations within the first 12 weeks of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models identified baseline variables independently associated with switch to depression.

RESULTS:

Of 2390 patients who participated in the maintenance phase (i.e. up to 24 months), 120 (5.0%) switched to depression within the first 12 weeks. Factors associated with greater switching to depression include previous depressive episodes, substance abuse, greater CGI-BP overall severity and benzodiazepine use. Factors associated with lower switching rates were greater CGI-BP depression, lower YMRS severity and atypical antipsychotic use.

LIMITATIONS:

The definition of switching biased against patients with mixed episodes being likely to switch.

CONCLUSIONS:

Strictly defined, switch to depression from mania occurs in a small proportion of bipolar patients. Clinical history, illness severity, co-morbidities and treatment patterns are associated with switching to depression. Atypical antipsychotics may protect against switch to depression.

• Authors: Eduard Vieta, Jules Angst, Catherine Reed, Jordan Bertsch, Josep Maria Haro, EMBLEM advisory board
• Journal: Journal of affective disorders (J Affect Disord) Vol. 118 Issue 1-3 Pg. 118-23 (Nov 2009) ISSN: 1573-2517 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 19269690 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Antidepressive Agents
• Antimanic Agents
• Antipsychotic Agents
• Hypnotics and Sedatives
• Benzodiazepines
• Lithium Carbonate

Topics

• Adult
• Affect
• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antidepressive Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antimanic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Benzodiazepines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Bipolar Disorder (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Europe
• Female
• Humans
• Hypnotics and Sedatives (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Lithium Carbonate (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Proportional Hazards Models
• Prospective Studies
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Risk
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult