A review of the natural course of bipolar disorders (manic―depressive psychosis) in the pre-drug era Review of studies prior to 1950

A review of the most important original studies describing the natural course of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive psychosis) published in the pre-drug era - before 1950 - is conducted. Discrepancies among studies are detected, most of which are likely explained by methodological differences. Howev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of affective disorders 2009-06, Vol.115 (3), p.293-301
Main Authors: ALVAREZ ARIZA, M, MATEOS ALVAREZ, R, BERRIOS, G. E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Bipolar affective disorder
Bipolar Disorder - history
Bipolar Disorder - psychology
Bipolar disorders
Brain
Female
History, 20th Century
Humans
Male
Mania
Medical sciences
Mood disorders
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Psychoses
Severity of Illness Index
Sex Factors
Time Factors
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Summary:A review of the most important original studies describing the natural course of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive psychosis) published in the pre-drug era - before 1950 - is conducted. Discrepancies among studies are detected, most of which are likely explained by methodological differences. However, some conclusions from these old studies remain perfectly valid nowadays: mania is a chronic brain disorder, inherited in most cases, decompensation being more frequent between March and August. It is more common in males, and in some cases, is secondary to other somatic problems. Mixed states are more frequent in the elderly. The review of this type of historical studies is aimed at underscoring the importance that should be attached to the careful study of psychopathology and its recording, both in clinical practice and in psychiatry research.
ISSN:0165-0327
1573-2517
DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2008.10.017