Metabolic profile in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder and their unaffected first-degree relatives

Abstract

Objective The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance is twice as high in patients with bipolar disorder compared with the general population, and possibly associated with a disabling illness trajectory of bipolar disorder, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Despite these detrimental effects, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and their unaffected first-degree relatives is largely unknown. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 206 patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, 50 of their unaffected first-degree relatives and 109 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals, we compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In patients with bipolar disorder, we further investigated illness and medication variables associated with the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Results Higher rates of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 3.529, 95% CI 1.378–9.041, P = 0.009) and levels of insulin resistance (B = 1.203, 95% CI 1.059–1.367, P = 0.005) were found in patients newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but not in their unaffected first-degree relatives compared with matched healthy individuals (data adjusted for sex and age). Most patients with bipolar disorder (94.7%) were diagnosed within the preceding 2 years, and the average illness duration, defined as time from first mood episode, was 10 years. Conclusion Our findings of elevated prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder highlight the importance of screening for these conditions at an early stage to employ adequate and early care reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Cholesterol Levels Are Reduced in Mania

“…MetS is strictly related to incidences of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as to a reduction of life expectancy, in psychiatric patients. Importantly, an elevated prevalence of MetS and glucose intolerance has been also reported in patients newly diagnosed with BD [42]. Therefore, these conditions should be screened since the early stages to employ prompt and adequate care strategies that can reduce the risk of cardiometabolic complications and premature death, including complementary interventions acting on the lipid profile [43,44].…”

Metabolic syndrome associated with the onset of depressive symptoms among women but not men in rural Northeast China

“…Regarding the association between physical conditions and MDD, previous studies have concluded that subjects with one or more metabolic disorders had a higher possibility to develop depression [5][6][7]. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the possible relationship between MetS and MDD for better screening and control of both diseases.…”

Impact of Psychotropic Medication Effects on Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome in People With Serious Mental Illness

“…Moreover, no significant differences seem to exist between schizophrenia and BD patients regarding HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides ( 28 ). Again, these abnormalities may already be present in drug-naïve BD patients ( 62 ). The lipid abnormalities in BD may be state dependent with depression resulting in more anomalous levels than mania ( 63 ).…”