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Staging Bipolar Disorder

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the evidence supporting a staging model for bipolar disorder. The authors conducted an extensive Medline and Pubmed search of the published literature using a variety of search terms (staging, bipolar disorder, early intervention) to find relevant articles, which were reviewed in detail. Only recently specific proposals have been made to apply clinical staging to bipolar disorder. The staging model in bipolar disorder suggests a progression from prodromal (at-risk) to more severe and refractory presentations (Stage IV). A staging model implies a longitudinal appraisal of different aspects: clinical variables, such as number of episodes and subsyndromal symptoms, functional and cognitive impairment, comorbidity, biomarkers, and neuroanatomical changes. Staging models are based on the fact that response to treatment is generally better when it is introduced early in the course of the illness. It assumes that earlier stages have better prognosis and require simpler therapeutic regimens. Staging may assist in bipolar disorder treatment planning and prognosis, and emphasize the importance of early intervention. Further research is required in this exciting and novel area.

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Acknowledgments

The authors of this study would like to thank the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERSAM, and the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya to the Bipolar Disorders Group (2009 SGR 1022). They would also like to thank the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, through a “Juan de la Cierva” postdoctoral contract (JCI-2009-04329).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bipolar Disorders Program, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain

    Eduard Vieta, M. Reinares & A. R. Rosa

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  1. Eduard Vieta
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  2. M. Reinares
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  3. A. R. Rosa
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Correspondence to Eduard Vieta.

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Vieta, E., Reinares, M. & Rosa, A.R. Staging Bipolar Disorder. Neurotox Res 19, 279–285 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-010-9197-8

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