Psychiatria pre prax 6/2009

Overlaps and differences between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Evidence suggesting that schizophrenia has etiological factors and pathophysiological pathways in common with bipolar disorder is now increasing. Well documented examples are susceptibility genes for neuregulin-1 and G72/G30, which are involved in neurodevelopment, glutamatergic transmission, disturbed connectivity that is apparent from white matter abnormalities resulting in the observed cognitive, emotional symptoms, or both already in the prodromal phase of illness. Beyond these commonalities, disease-specific features (risk factors, neuropathological features) are also apparent. The relationship between both disorders does not fit into a nosological dichotomy as originally conceived (13).

Keywords: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, classification, diagnosis, genetics