Objectives Neurocognitive deficits have been widely reported in euthymic Bipolar Disorder (BD) patients and contribute to functional disability. However, the longitudinal trajectory of these deficits remains a subject of debate. Although most research to this date shows that neurocognitive deficits tend to be stable among middle‐age BD patients, it remains plausible that deterioration occurs at either early or late stages of this condition. Methods We conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies that reported longitudinal neurocognitive performance among individuals with BD either within the year of their diagnosis or among late‐life BD patients. Pooled effects of standardized mean differences (SMDs) for changes in neuropsychological scores over follow‐up were estimated using random effects model. We also examined effect moderators, such as length of follow‐up, mood state, or pharmacological load. Results Eight studies met inclusion criteria for recent‐onset and four studies for late‐life BD analysis. No evidence for a deterioration in neurocognitive functioning was observed among recent‐onset BD patients (8 studies, 284 patients, SMD: 0.12, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.30, mean follow‐up: 17 months) nor for late‐life BD patients (4 studies, 153 patients, SMD: −0.35, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.15, mean follow‐up: 33 months). None of the moderators were shown to be significant. Conclusions These results, when appraised together with the findings in middle‐life BD patients and individuals at genetic risk for BD, suggest that neurodevelopmental factors might play a significant role in cognitive deficits in BD and do not support the notion of progressive cognitive decline in most patients with BD.

BackgroundThere is an increasing use of ayahuasca for recreational purposes. Furthermore, there is a growing evidence for the antidepressant properties of its components. However, there are no reports on the effects of this substance in the psychiatric setting. Harmaline, one of the main components of ayahuasca, is a selective and reversible MAO-A inhibitor and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.Case reportWe present the case of a man with bipolar disorder who had a manic episode after an ayahuasca consumption ritual. This patient had had at least one hypomanic episode in the past and is currently depressed. We discuss the diagnostic repercussion of this manic episode.ConclusionThere is lack of specificity in the diagnosis of substance-induced mental disorder. The knowledge of the pharmacodynamic properties of ayahuasca consumption allows a more physiopathological approach to the diagnosis of the patient.

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We sought to identify clinical features that best discriminate melancholia from nonmelancholic depressive conditions. An extensive review of studies using latent factor models that identified a melancholic depression dimension/factor was undertaken. Clinical variables extracted from these studies were analyzed in terms of their contribution to a diagnosis of melancholia and their consistency across studies. Psychomotor retardation and mood nonreactivity were the most relevant clinical features for the identification of melancholic depressions. Other clinical features commonly described as weighted to melancholia, such as anhedonia, psychomotor agitation, late insomnia, or appetite/weight loss, seemed less useful in distinguishing these subtypes of depression. Study results are considered in relation to the potential limitations of current operational definitions of melancholia, and how symptom sets could be modified.