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Soft neurological signs do not increase with age in euthymic bipolar subjects
Utpal Goswami1, Chinmoy Gulrajani, Anjali Varma
1Department of Psychiatry, West Park Hospital, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL2 2TS, UK.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) shows excess soft neurological signs (SNS). These deficits appear fixed rather than progressive with age, suggesting a persistent neurobiological deficit in BD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Soft neurological signs (SNS) are more prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD).
- Investigating SNS changes with aging in BD is crucial for understanding disease progression.
- Distinguishing between progressive decline and fixed deficits in BD is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between aging and soft neurological signs (SNS) in bipolar disorder (BD).
- To determine if BD is associated with progressive neurological decline or a persistent deficit.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 53 euthymic BD subjects and controls.
- Participants aged 15-55 years.
- Assessment of SNS using a modified Kolakowska battery.
Main Results:
- In healthy controls, SNS scores increased significantly with age.
- BD subjects exhibited high SNS scores across all ages, independent of age.
- Findings confirm and extend previous research on SNS in BD.
Conclusions:
- Bipolar disorder is associated with a significant neurobiological deficit.
- This deficit appears to be relatively fixed, with minimal progression over time.
- Longitudinal studies are recommended to better understand age-related changes in SNS.
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