Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: differences and overlaps.
OBJECTIVE
Following the recent progress mainly in the fields of genetics and neurobiology, the validity of the diagnostic distinction between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is increasingly challenged.


RESULTS
Evidence for basic neurobiological processes common for both disorders is expanding with regard to (a) susceptibility genes, (b) neurodevelopment (for example myelination), and (c) brain functions (for example sensory gating, visuospatial achievement). Recent epidemiological studies also stress communalities.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnostic split between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is unable to define distinct etiological and/or pathophysiological entities.
Maier
Wolfgang
W
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. Wolfgang.Maier@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Zobel
Astrid
A
Wagner
Michael
M
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology