Inflammatory and Neurotrophic Markers in Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Strawbridge, Dimosthenis Tsapekos, Allan H. Young
Primary Institution: King's College London
Conclusion
Cognitive remediation therapy may help protect against declines in certain biological markers in people with bipolar disorder, particularly for those with lower levels of neurotrophins or cytokines.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower baseline levels of BDNF predicted better functional outcomes at both weeks 13 and 25.
- Cognitive remediation therapy attenuated reductions in BDNF, bFGF, and VEGF-C compared to treatment as usual.
- Moderation analyses indicated that lower baseline levels of BDNF were associated with better functional outcomes in the treatment as usual group.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain proteins in the blood might help people with bipolar disorder do better in therapy that helps their thinking skills. It found that those with lower protein levels might get more help from the therapy.
Methodology
Participants with bipolar disorder were randomly assigned to cognitive remediation therapy or treatment as usual, with blood tests taken before and after a 12-week intervention.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors were not substantively assessed, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not account for multiple comparisons or potential confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
70.5% female, 59% bipolar disorder type I, average age 43.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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