Impact of psychosis in bipolar disorder during manic episodes

To evaluate the effect of psychosis on prognosis as measured by the course of a manic episode, symptoms severity and time to remission and identify existing differences in positive and negative symptoms between psychotic and non-psychotic patients.

40 bipolar patients presenting with a diagnosis of acute mania were enrolled (18 psychotic patients and 22 non-psychotic patients) in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were required to complete two self-reported questionnaires, the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) for manic symptoms, and Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) for psychotic symptoms. Rating scales were administered at baseline and then again after three weeks of pharmacologic treatment.

There were no differences in socio-demographic characteristics between psychotic and non-psychotic subjects. Psychosis was associated with higher scores on the YMRS and PANSS (increased symptoms severity), compared to non-psychotic patients. Both groups demonstrated clinical improvement and remission, with scores amongst psychotic patients remaining higher. Groups were similar in symptomatology except with regards to psychotic symptoms (the content, insight, delusions, hallucinations, grandiosity, poor rapport and unusual thoughts).

Psychosis can be considered a severity index in bipolar disorder, with decreased severity and overall clinical improvement and remission taking place in response to pharmacotherapy.