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.

LIMITATIONS

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

CONCLUSION

Results suggest obstetric complications are etiologically significant in bipolar disorder.