Hydrocephalus and bipolar affective disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

Background:

• Bipolar disorder can be associated with underlying organic brain pathology.
• Hydrocephalus, a condition involving excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, is a form of organic brain pathology.
• Late-onset mood disorders may indicate an underlying neurological cause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of late-onset bipolar disorder associated with long-standing hydrocephalus.
• To review the existing literature on the association between bipolar disorder and hydrocephalus.
• To explore potential neurobiological mechanisms linking these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Literature review of studies on hydrocephalus and bipolar disorder.
• Discussion of neurobiological underpinnings.

Main Results:

• A patient with long-standing hydrocephalus developed late-onset bipolar illness, initially presenting with atypical, treatment-resistant depression.
• Hypomania and a rapid-cycling bipolar course subsequently emerged.
• The review suggests a potential association between hydrocephalus and bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:

• Organic brain pathology, such as hydrocephalus, should be considered in cases of late-onset or treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.
• Further research into the neurobiological mechanisms connecting hydrocephalus and mood disorders is warranted.