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Body structure

Body structural alterations have been observed in people with bipolar disorder. At present, the only available evidence identified from systematic reviews is on minor physical anomalies and telomere length, which is linked to aging as telomeres shorten with each cell division. Other topics will be included as the information becomes available. Click on the link or the tab below to access the information, or browse via the drop-down menu on the left.

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Dermatoglyphics

We have not found any systematic reviews on this topic that meet the Library’s inclusion criteria. 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 Image: ©peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com

Minor physical anomalies

What are minor physical anomalies in bipolar disorder? 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…

Morphometrics

We have not found any systematic reviews on this topic that meet the Library’s inclusion criteria. 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 Image: ©sudowoodo – stock.adobe.com

Telomere length

What is telomere length? 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…

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.