Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective

This is an overview of recent advances on predominant polarity conceptualization in bipolar disorder (BD). Current evidence on its operationalized definitions, possible contextualization within the affective spectrum, along with its epidemiological impact, and treatment implications, are summarized....

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Main Authors: Bartoli, F, Malhi, GS, Carrà, G
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2024
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author Bartoli, F
Malhi, GS
Carrà, G
author_facet Bartoli, F
Malhi, GS
Carrà, G
author_sort Bartoli, F
collection OXFORD
description This is an overview of recent advances on predominant polarity conceptualization in bipolar disorder (BD). Current evidence on its operationalized definitions, possible contextualization within the affective spectrum, along with its epidemiological impact, and treatment implications, are summarized. Predominant polarity identifies three subgroups of patients with BD according to their mood recurrencies: (i) those with depressive or (ii) manic predominance as well as (iii) patients without any preponderance (‘nuclear’ type). A predominant polarity can be identified in approximately half of patients, with similar rates for depressive and manic predominance. Different factors may influence the predominant polarity, including affective temperaments. More generally, affective disorders should be considered as existing on a spectrum ranging from depressive to manic features, also accounting for disorders with ‘ultrapredominant’ polarity, i.e., unipolar depression and mania. While mixed findings emerge on its utility in clinical practice, it is likely that the construct of predominant polarity, in place of conventional differentiation between BD-I and BD-II, may be useful to clarify the natural history of the disorder and select the most appropriate interventions. The conceptualization of predominant polarity seems to reconcile previous theoretical views of both BD and affective spectrum into a novel perspective. It may provide useful information to clinicians for the early identification of possible trajectories of BD and thus guide them when selecting interventions for maintenance treatment. However, further research is needed to clarify the specific role of predominant polarity as a key determinant of BD course, outcome, and treatment response.
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spelling oxford-uuid:0722f666-5176-4b19-807c-aefacdc1109e2024-10-16T09:09:21ZCombining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspectiveJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:0722f666-5176-4b19-807c-aefacdc1109eEnglishJisc Publications RouterSpringerOpen2024Bartoli, FMalhi, GSCarrà, GThis is an overview of recent advances on predominant polarity conceptualization in bipolar disorder (BD). Current evidence on its operationalized definitions, possible contextualization within the affective spectrum, along with its epidemiological impact, and treatment implications, are summarized. Predominant polarity identifies three subgroups of patients with BD according to their mood recurrencies: (i) those with depressive or (ii) manic predominance as well as (iii) patients without any preponderance (‘nuclear’ type). A predominant polarity can be identified in approximately half of patients, with similar rates for depressive and manic predominance. Different factors may influence the predominant polarity, including affective temperaments. More generally, affective disorders should be considered as existing on a spectrum ranging from depressive to manic features, also accounting for disorders with ‘ultrapredominant’ polarity, i.e., unipolar depression and mania. While mixed findings emerge on its utility in clinical practice, it is likely that the construct of predominant polarity, in place of conventional differentiation between BD-I and BD-II, may be useful to clarify the natural history of the disorder and select the most appropriate interventions. The conceptualization of predominant polarity seems to reconcile previous theoretical views of both BD and affective spectrum into a novel perspective. It may provide useful information to clinicians for the early identification of possible trajectories of BD and thus guide them when selecting interventions for maintenance treatment. However, further research is needed to clarify the specific role of predominant polarity as a key determinant of BD course, outcome, and treatment response.
spellingShingle Bartoli, F
Malhi, GS
Carrà, G
Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title_full Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title_fullStr Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title_full_unstemmed Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title_short Combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder: towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
title_sort combining predominant polarity and affective spectrum concepts in bipolar disorder towards a novel theoretical and clinical perspective
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