Bipolar Disorder Predisposition in a Greek Male With β-Thalassemia Trait: External Factors, Including COVID-19, and...

The present case study examines an adult male of Greek descent diagnosed with the β-thalassemia trait during adulthood. The individual had psychiatric symptoms after the sudden cessation of anabolic steroid injections, which had been utilized improperly for nearly a decade. Furthermore, the administration of an increased dosage of bupropion in conjunction with the absence of treatment for manic symptoms may have contributed to worsening his illness. The individual's contraction of COVID-19 and the subsequent discontinuation of steroid medication resulted in a notable psychosis despite the absence of any prior psychiatric conditions. Following initial therapy and hospitalization, which resulted in a stable discharge, the patient experienced a relapse due to later alterations in his medication. Consequently, this relapse necessitated a second admission to the hospital. The patient's therapeutic regimen consisted of a concurrent administration of lithium, antipsychotics, and an intense program of psychiatric counseling. This particular example highlights the distinctive connection between β-thalassemia and bipolar disorder, focusing on a Greek patient with the β-thalassemia trait and a genetic predisposition to mood disorders. The present study provides a comprehensive narrative of the patient's clinical progression, with particular emphasis on the impact of the β-thalassemia trait on his mental health trajectory. This observation highlights the limited availability of data about the interplay between hemoglobinopathies and mood disorders, hence emphasizing the need for further research in this niche intersection of genetics and psychiatry.