Pre- and perinatal complications and risk for bipolar disorder: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
Many studies have reported that obstetric complications are risk factors for schizophrenia, but few studies have examined whether complications increase risk for bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Bipolar-disorder probands and their adult siblings were diagnosed using DSM-III-R criteria. Obstetrical data from maternal reports were scored, blind to diagnosis, applying published scales that take into account number and severity of complications.


RESULTS
Obstetric complication scores were significantly worse in probands than siblings without mood disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Probands had relatively severe symptoms; research using more heterogeneous samples is needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest obstetric complications are etiologically significant in bipolar disorder.
Kinney
D K
DK
Laboratories for Psychiatric Research, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA 02178, USA.
Yurgelun-Todd
D A
DA
Tohen
M
M
Tramer
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009679:Nuclear Family; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors