Bipolar Disorder from a Developmental Psychopathology Perspective: Focusing on Phenomenology, Etiology, and Neurobiology

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to consider how a developmental psychopathology perspective can advance our understanding of bipolar disorder. In this chapter we start by discussing the phenomenology of the disorder. As this is a field in which scientific controversies abound, this section begins by placing bipolar disorder in a historical context. We consider the origins of current clinical diagnostic approaches and evaluate newly emerging empirical approaches that utilize dimensions of symptoms, behaviors, and neurobiological indexes. We then review prominent etiological theories of the illness, including work on environmental stressors and hazards as well as behavioral and genetic approaches. We highlight some of the most promising theories that account for both environmental and biological mechanisms of bipolar disorder. Additionally, because bipolar disorder can be considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, biological mechanisms are also discussed in the context of brain imaging research. We conclude the chapter with suggestions for translational research by considering how these developmental and neurodevelopmental models can inform intervention science and help identify promising new directions for future research.

Intellectual Functioning in Offspring of Parents with Bipolar Disorder: A Review of the Literature

“…Finally, it is possible that IQ functioning is sexually dimorphic in BDO [ 82 ]. Most of the studies that found enhanced IQ in those who went on to develop BD used conscript samples composed of males (e.g., [ 5 , 19 , 25 ]; an exception is a cohort study [ 26 ]).…”

The genetics of early-onset bipolar disorder: A systematic review

“…Although there is still considerable debate regarding the relationship between DSM classifications and genetic homogeneity, it is likely that homogeneity gained by studying the early-onset phenotype will be negated by including the full range of BDs, especially when there is evidence of substantial genetic heterogeneity among the bipolar disorders (Cross-Disorder Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, 2013). This discussion about diagnostic inclusion criteria has been especially salient when the focus is on a population who is continuing to undergo development, leading to ongoing, lively debates in the field about what features of BD are represented early in development, how these characteristics change across development, and methods of altering the probabilistic risk trajectories (Klimes-Dougan et al, in press). …”

“…Although we required that DSM criteria for BD be met (either DSM-III or DSM-IV), we did not place any restrictions on the types of BD included such as bipolar I disorder (BDI) or bipolar II disorder (BDII). Historically a range of criteria have been applied children and adolescent BD diagnosis (as reviewed by Klimes-Dougan et al, in press), but the genetic studies reviewed here typically applied a “narrow” DSM definition of BD.…”

“…There do not have to be major genetic differences between early- and late-onset BD for this pattern to occur. A developmental psychopathology perspective could help explain how biological and environmental factors increase or decrease risk of bipolar disorder across the lifespan (Alloy et al, 2006; Klimes-Dougan et al, in press). …”