Pre- and perinatal complications and risk for bipolar disorder: a retrospective study

Many studies have reported that obstetric complications are risk factors for schizophrenia, but few studies have examined whether complications increase risk for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar-disorder probands and their adult siblings were diagnosed using DSM-III-R criteria. Obstetrical data from maternal reports were scored, blind to diagnosis, applying published scales that take into account number and severity of complications.

Obstetric complication scores were significantly worse in probands than siblings without mood disorders.

Probands had relatively severe symptoms; research using more heterogeneous samples is needed.

Results suggest obstetric complications are etiologically significant in bipolar disorder.