Pending enough primary studies, we invite reviews on this topic to be conducted. Alternatively we will endeavour to conduct our own review to fill this gap in the Library.

December 2021

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The post Dermatoglyphics appeared first on NeuRA Library.

Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are subtle anatomical deviations which have little functional or aesthetic impact. MPAs in people with bipolar disorder are highly variable, but may include high palate, low-seated ears, cuspidal ear (ears with angled ridges instead of a round curve at the top of the opening into the ear canal), strabismus (cross-eyes), hypertelorism (increased distance between the eyes) and adherent, or attached ear lobes. They may be traced to events occurring prenatally and may represent risk markers for underlying illness susceptibility. MPAs may be important risk indicators when an individual is already at high risk of developing a mental disorder and when multiple MPAs occur together in one individual.

What is the evidence for minor physical anomalies in people with bipolar disorder?

Moderate quality evidence finds more anomalies in the head and facial region of people with bipolar disorder compared to controls, with no differences in peripheral regions.

December 2021

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Pending enough primary studies, we invite reviews on this topic to be conducted. Alternatively we will endeavour to conduct our own review to fill this gap in the Library.

December 2021

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The post Morphometrics appeared first on NeuRA Library.

Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. They are linked to aging as they shorten with each cell division, and when they reach a critical length the cell stops dividing or dies. Chronic stress has been associated with reduced telomere length, resulting in the recognition of an association between adverse social and environmental influences and accelerated aging. Bipolar disorder has also been associated with adverse environmental influences.

What is the evidence for telomere length in people with bipolar disorder?

Moderate to high quality suggests no differences in telomere length between people with bipolar disorder and controls without a psychiatric disorder.

December 2021

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