This thesis had four main objectives:Predictors of Bipolar disorder (BD): Chapters 2 and 3 explored factors contributing to Bipolar Disorder's development and progression, considering both internal... Show moreThis thesis had four main objectives:Predictors of Bipolar disorder (BD): Chapters 2 and 3 explored factors contributing to Bipolar Disorder's development and progression, considering both internal and external influences.External Stressors: Chapter 4 investigated how external stressors, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted the stability of BD symptoms, highlighting the role of environmental factors.Symptom Interactions: Chapter 5 analyzed the complex interplay of mania and depressive symptoms in BD over time, enhancing our understanding of their evolution.Neurocognition and Brain Functioning: Chapter 6 reviewed long-term cognitive (dys)function and brain activity in BD patients, offering insights into the disorder's neural mechanisms.Overall, the thesis aimed to expand knowledge of BD, encompassing its predictors, the influence of external stressors, symptom dynamics, and neurocognitive aspects. This research contributes to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for individuals affected by BD. Show less
Koenders, M.; Mesbah, R.; Spijker, A.; Boere, E.; Leeuw, M. de; Hemert, B. van; Giltay, E. 2021
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic interfered in the daily lives of people and is assumed to adversely affect mental health. However, the effects on mood (in)stability of... Show moreBackground The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic interfered in the daily lives of people and is assumed to adversely affect mental health. However, the effects on mood (in)stability of bipolar disorder (BD) patients and the comparison to pre-COVID-19 symptom severity levels are unknown. Method Between April and September, 2020, symptoms and well-being were assessed in the Bipolar Netherlands Cohort (BINCO) study of recently diagnosed patients with BD I and II. The questionnaire contained questions regarding manic and depressive symptoms (YMRS and ASRM, QIDS), worry (PSWQ), stress (PSS), loneliness, sleep, fear for COVID-19, positive coping, and substance use. As manic, depressive and stress symptoms levels were assessed pre-COVID-19, their trajectories during the lockdown restrictions were estimated using mixed models. Results Of the 70 invited BD patients, 36 (51%) responded at least once (mean age of 36.7 years, 54% female, and 31% BD type 1) to the COVID-19 assessments. There was a significant increase (X-2 = 17.06; p = .004) in (hypo)manic symptoms from baseline during the first COVID-19 wave, with a decrease thereafter. Fear of COVID-19 (X-2 = 18.01; p = .003) and positive coping (X-2 = 12.44; p = .03) were the highest at the start of the pandemic and decreased thereafter. Other scales including depression and stress symptoms did not vary significantly over time. Conclusion We found a meaningful increase in manic symptomatology from pre-COVID-19 into the initial phases of the pandemic in BD patients. These symptoms decreased along with fear of COVID-19 and positive coping during the following months when lockdown measures were eased. Show less
Stoffels, M.; Nijs, M.; Spinhoven, P.; Mesbah, R.; Hagenaars, M.A. 2017
