A behavioral paradigm for identifying persons at risk for bipolar depressive disorder: A conceptual framework and five validation studies

Abstract

Attempted to study predisposition to bipolar manic-depressive disorder by developing a behavioral paradigm to identify persons at risk for various forms of the disorder. A theoretical discussion is given for defining bipolar disorder within the broader framework of common human diseases, and this framework is used to derive dimensions of bipolar disorder that define its distinctness from the normal phenotype. These dimensions (behavioral and nonbehavioral features of disorder) are operationalized in the form of a self-report inventory that estimates the probability that an individual is at risk. Five external validation studies using nontest criteria are presented, including interview, roommate, family history, clinical characteristics, and longitudinal mood rating investigations. Results indicate that the inventory serves as a promising 1st-stage case identification procedure for bipolar disorder when employed in a research context. (21/2 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1981 American Psychological Association.