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Bipolar Disorders

Group

Bipolar Disorders

Leaders

Professor Michael Berk

Dr Philippe Conus

Project Co-ordinator

Ms Lisa Henry

Members

Rothanthi Daglas, Craig Macneil, Melissa Hasty and Melanie Evans

Overview

During the past six years a specific early intervention focus on bipolar disorder has been successfully developed. Collaborative projects and paper production have been conducted with colleagues in Spain (Drs Vieta and Colom), Newcastle (Dr Scott) and Brazil (Drs Kapczinski and Gama). In total there are 13 published papers, and 16 in press. Two further invited reviews on early intervention have been completed. A paper on the seven-year outcomes of first episode mania is being written using the EPPIC 800 datatset, which will be the longest follow up in the currently available literature. A further highlight is the pending publication of the first manualised psychotherapy for first episode bipolar disorder, led by Craig McNeil and Melissa Hasty, by Cambridge University Press.

Current Studies

Investigation of the efficacy of the combination of Olanzapine and Lithium versus the combination of Chlorpromazine and Lithium in the management of a first hospitalisation for a manic episode with psychotic features: an eight-week, flexible dose, parallel group, single blind (rater) open trial. P. Conus.

 
The randomised control trial, comparing Olanzapine and Chlorpromazine augmented by lithium in a first-episode mania cohort is complete.
 
Dr Philippe Conus spent the first six months of 2009 on sabbatical with the bipolar team at Orygen. Philippe and the team finalised the data verification procedure, primarily focusing on generating publications from this data set and has drafted and submitted several papers to peer reviewed journals.
 
 
Neuroprotective Properties of Quetiapine versus Lithium in a First Episode Mania Cohort: 12-month Neuroanatomical, Neurochemical and Neuro-cognitive Effects and Preliminary Data of Prophylactic Properties. M. Berk.
 
The primary purpose of this single blind controlled randomised parallel group design trial is to investigate if treatment with Lithium or Quetiapine monotherapy is associated with similar levels of neuroanatomical, biochemical and neurocognitive protection at short-term end points. Two Victorian sites are participating in recruiting individuals with first-episode bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. They are: Orygen and Southern Health.
 
The study has recruited 27 individuals and one individual has completed the final follow-up assessment.

Publications 2008

 

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Bipolar Disorders Publications 2008-2009.doc98 KB