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Differences in sleep disturbances among offspring of parents with and without bipolar disorder: association with

Jessica C Levenson1, David A Axelson2, John Merranko1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.

Bipolar Disorders
|November 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances and circadian dysfunction are linked to bipolar disorder (BP) in high-risk youth. Poor sleep quality and frequent nighttime waking at baseline predict the future development of BP in vulnerable offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep and circadian rhythm dysregulation are implicated in bipolar disorder (BP) pathophysiology.
  • It remains unclear if these are state or trait markers of BP.
  • This study investigates sleep and circadian phenotypes in offspring at high risk for BP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Compare sleep and circadian phenotypes across three groups: bipolar disorder offspring with BP (BP/OB), bipolar disorder offspring without BP (non-BP/OB), and control offspring.
  • Examine the predictive value of baseline sleep parameters for the subsequent development of BP in the non-BP/OB group.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Pittsburgh Bipolar Offspring Study (ages 6-18).
  • Assessed sleep, circadian phenotypes, and psychopathology every two years.
  • Employed mixed-effects models to compare groups and mixed logistic regression for predictive analysis.

Main Results:

  • BP/OB offspring experiencing mood episodes showed significant differences in sleep parameters (e.g., inadequate sleep) compared to non-BP/OB and control offspring.
  • Baseline sleep variables, including frequent nighttime waking, significantly predicted the development of BP in the non-BP/OB group during longitudinal follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Lifetime diagnostic status and psychopathology further explain group differences in sleep and circadian disturbances.
  • Sleep disturbances may serve as a prognostic indicator for BP development in high-risk youth.
  • Further research is needed to determine if sleep and circadian disruptions are state or trait features of BP.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescentagechildmoderationmoodpsychopathologysleep

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