Investigating light sensitivity in bipolar disorder (HELIOS-BD).
Amber Roguski1,2, Nicole Needham1,2, Tom MacGillivray2,3
1Division of Psychiatry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Wellcome Open Research
|May 8, 2024
Summary
People with bipolar disorder (BD) may have retinal hypersensitivity to light, disrupting circadian rhythms. Lithium treatment could reduce this sensitivity, stabilizing mood and rest/activity cycles in BD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, impacting sleep-wake cycles and mood regulation.
- Individuals with BD may exhibit heightened sensitivity to light, exacerbating circadian dysfunction and increasing susceptibility to mood episodes.
- Lithium is a primary long-term treatment for BD, yet its precise mechanism, particularly concerning circadian rhythm stabilization, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that pathophysiological retinal changes in bipolar disorder (BD) lead to light hypersensitivity and circadian rhythm dysfunction.
- To explore the potential of lithium in mitigating light hypersensitivity and stabilizing circadian rhythms in individuals with BD.
- To assess visual and non-visual light responses and retinal microstructure in BD patients compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 180 participants for the HELIOS-BD study, including individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.
- Assessment of visual and non-visual responses to light, alongside retinal microstructure analysis over an 18-month period.
- Comparison of light responses and retinal changes between BD patients treated with lithium and those not on lithium.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest potential differences in light responses and retinal structure between BD patients and controls.
- Exploration of whether lithium treatment is associated with attenuated light responses and retinal changes in BD.
- Comprehensive analysis of visual and non-visual light sensitivity in a large BD cohort.
Conclusions:
- This research aims to elucidate the role of retinal light sensitivity in bipolar disorder (BD) pathophysiology and circadian disruption.
- Findings may support lithium's efficacy by demonstrating its potential to normalize light responses and stabilize circadian rhythms.
- The study holds significant translational potential for personalized treatment strategies and therapeutic innovations in bipolar disorder management.
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