Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. Despite high heritability (60-80%), the majority of the underlying genetic determinants remain unknown. We analysed data from participants of European, East Asian, African American and Latino ancestries (n = 158,036 cases with bipolar disorder, 2.

Identifying genetic differences between bipolar disorder and major depression through multiple genome-wide association analyses.

Background: Accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BPD) is difficult in clinical practice, with an average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis of about 7 years. A depressive episode often precedes the first manic episode, making it difficult to distinguish BPD from unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD).

Aims: We use genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) to identify differential genetic factors and to develop predictors based on polygenic risk scores (PRS) that may aid early differential diagnosis.

Atrial fibrillation ablation timing: where is the sweet spot?

Convincing evidence for the efficacy of ablation as first-line therapy in paroxysmal AF (PAF) and its clear superiority to medical therapy for rhythm control in both PAF and persistent AF (PsAF) has generated considerable interest in the optimal timing of ablation. Based on this data, there is a widespread view that the principle of 'the earlier the better' should be generally applied. However, the natural history of AF is highly variable and non-linear, and for this reason, it is difficult to be emphatic that all patients are best served by ablation early after their initial AF episodes.

Incidence, characteristics, and prognostic significance of early recurrences after different ablation approaches for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) is common after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The specific clinical and arrhythmia characteristics of ERAT influencing late recurrence risk in persistent AF are unclear. In addition, the impact of different ablation strategies on the incidence and prognostic significance of ERAT remains unknown.

Lost and found: dynamics of relationship and employment status over time in people with affective and psychotic spectrum disorders.

Background: Employment and relationship are crucial for social integration. However, individuals with major psychiatric disorders often face challenges in these domains.

Aims: We investigated employment and relationship status changes among patients across the affective and psychotic spectrum - in comparison with healthy controls, examining whether diagnostic groups or functional levels influence these transitions.