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Affective Disorder on Paternal and Maternal Sides

Observations in Bipolar (Manic-depressive) Patients with and Without a Family History

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Julien Mendlewicz ,
Ronald R. Fieve ,
John D. Rainer  and
Mima Cataldo
Julien Mendlewicz
Affiliation:
Brugmann Psychiatrie Institute, Brussels University. Department of Medical Genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th Street, New York, New York, 10032, U.S.A.
Ronald R. Fieve
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, New York State Psychiatric Institute and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, U.S.A.
John D. Rainer
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032, U.S.A.
Mima Cataldo
Affiliation:
Rockland State Hospital; Department of Medical Genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, 10032, U.S.A.
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Extract

Recent family studies of manic-depressive psychosis have emphasized the role of genetics in the aetiology of this bipolar illness (3, 8). However, the mode of genetic transmission is still unknown, the main controversy being between major gene and polygenic inheritance. Furthermore, it is not yet evident whether bipolar illness constitutes a homogeneous entity or whether it may be subdivided into different genetic subgroups. Mendlewicz, Fieve, Rainer, and Fleiss (1) recently produced some evidence that bipolar psychosis can be differentiated into two subgroups on the basis of family history data. Two matched samples of 30 patients each were studied, distinguished by the presence or absence of bipolar illness in their first degree relatives. The patients with a positive family history (FH+) in first degree relatives showed earlier onset of illness and more psychotic symptoms occurring in the manic phase. Alcoholism, if present, was of an episodic pattern. In patients with a negative family history (FH—), there was a later onset of illness; psychotic symptoms occurred usually in the depressive phase; and alcoholism, when present, tended to be chronic.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 122 , Issue 566 , January 1973 , pp. 31 - 34
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1973 

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References

1 Mendlewicz, J., Fieve, R. R., Rainer, J. D., and Fleiss, J. L. (1972). ‘Manic-depressive illness: A comparative study of patients with and without a family history.’ British Journal of Psychiatry, 120, 523–30.Google Scholar
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