Predictive value of thought disorder in new-onset psychosis.

Objective: This research addresses the relationship of formal thought disorder in the early stages of psychotic illness to the long-term outcome of mental health many years later. The specific topic of concern was to evaluate the prognostic significance of thought disorder on the severity of psychosis over time.

Methods: Subjects with new-onset psychosis were evaluated on a variety of measures including education, physical health, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores.

Failure to demonstrate parent-of-origin effect in transmission of bipolar II disorder.

Background: Parent-of-origin effect (POE) is suggested in transmission of bipolar disorder. Bipolar II disorder (BPII) should be considered separately.

Methods: The gender difference of transmitting parents, prevalence rate in children, and age at onset of patients in relation to the sex of the transmitting parent, were examined in 220 BPII patients.

Alcoholism and drug abuse in three groups--bipolar I, unipolars and their acquaintances.

Objective: Previous work has shown that manic-depressive illness and alcohol abuse are linked. This study further explores the relationship of alcohol and drug abuse in bipolar I patients and unipolar depressives and a comparison group obtained through the acquaintance method.

Method: Diagnosis was accomplished according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC): controls = 469; bipolars = 277; unipolar depressives = 678.