BDNF and episodic memory in patients with bipolar disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is not only an endogenous condition. Severe negative life events have been shown to influence the development of the first episode and lifetime course of BD. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and incapacitating mental condition that affect a significant proportion of the general population at some time in their lives. The concomitant presence of BD and PTSD has been shown to be more frequent than previously suggested and psychotic patients with trauma histories have a tendency to present more severe symptoms and are more proned to present substance use disorders. Trauma-related intrusive memories and nightmares of PTSD have been associated with mood changes. Also, kindling and behavioral sensitization have been proposed to explain the etiology and course of both disorders. Pharmacological approaches for this comorbidity are still based on empirical or not controlled approaches. In this article, we critically review the current literature regarding this co morbid condition, and highlight some aspects related to epidemiology, etiology, course and pharmacological treatment of both disorders. Overall, our review emphasizes the importance of systematically evaluate trauma histories in patients with BD.