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Cortical thickness in bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Lindsay C Hanford1, Anthony Nazarov1, Geoffrey B Hall1
1Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Bipolar Disorders
|February 7, 2016
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging studies reveal reduced cortical thickness in specific brain regions for individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). This finding highlights structural brain abnormalities associated with BD, potentially shared with schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness linked to brain structure and function differences.
- Understanding the neurobiology of BD is crucial for effective treatment.
- Existing research on brain abnormalities in BD requires systematic review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on cortical thickness in bipolar disorder.
- To compare cortical thickness in BD patients with healthy individuals and other psychiatric groups.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature search of studies published until November 2014.
- Utilized MEDLINE and EMBASE databases with keywords 'bipolar disorder', 'mania', and 'cortical thickness'.
- Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and extracted data.
Main Results:
- Included 17 studies in the review.
- Patients with BD showed decreased cortical thickness in the left anterior cingulate/paracingulate and left superior temporal gyrus compared to healthy controls.
- Cortical thinning was observed in bilateral prefrontal regions in BD patients.
- Shared patterns of cortical thinning in frontal and temporal regions were noted between BD and schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- This review reinforces the association between specific structural brain abnormalities and bipolar disorder.
- Further research should examine cortical thickness in at-risk populations to understand disease onset.
- Findings suggest potential common neuropathological pathways in BD and schizophrenia.
