The bipolar spectrum and psychoneuroimmunology: implications for diagnosis and treatment

Author/s
Moritz Muehlbacher, Aye-Mu Myint
Citation
Issue 3 Summer 2013
CEPiP.2013;1:89-97
Abstract

The potential contribution of chronic inflammation to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar spectrum disorders has received increasing attention during the last years. Elevated biomarkers of inflammation have been found in bipolar patients during acute phases and throughout the course of the disease. Inflammatory cytokines can interact with multiple pathways known to be involved in the development of psychiatric disorders, including monoamine metabolism, neuroendocrine function, circadian rhythms, synaptic plasticity, and neurocircuits relevant to mood regulation. In addition, a number of typical comorbidities seem to share an inflammation-related background and might have mutually aggravating effects. Awareness of these relationships should lead to greater diagnostic vigilance and thorough diagnostic assessment.

Keywords: bipolar disorder, inflammation, biomarker, cytokine

Cite as: Cutting Edge Psychiatry in Practice 2013, 3(1):89-97; https://doi.org/10.65031/abdl6999

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