distinct physiological patterns in bp vs sz

[resonance]

UCSD researchers have come up with a shirt that takes various physiological measurements from people, and have found distinct patterns between people with schizophrenia and people with bipolar disorder. This is of note particularly because it can be very hard for clinicians to distinguish someone having a manic episode from someone who is schizophrenic. But it's also interesting because anything that tells us more about what's going on can lead to better treatment...

Here's the link with the somewhat misleading headline (it's not really about monitoring in the treatment sense, it's not even in the pipeline, but it is an extremely interesting study):

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/...70518160743.htm

I also like that they mention difficulty filtering information. It can be a pretty big issue but because it's not psychosis, nor mood, it's not so well-known. One of my own problems, whenever I feel off in whatever way, is getting overwhelmed by sensory input and having to leave social situations because I can't take it anymore. (Medication has definitely helped with that.)

Anyway. I wonder if something like this will eventually come into play in childhood bipolar diagnosis? That's contentious in part because it's very hard to diagnose in kids who don't have clearcut manic periods.

Personally, I think they should make it Hypercolor and just have it turn different colors.

[LunaRufina]

I just saw this. Oops.

It's really interesting but I wonder how it could be applied in a clinical setting. I suppose for children, yes it would be appropriate to observe them in a new envrionment. But for adults that doesn't seem very appropriate or practical.

THink the five years bipolar study they are talking about is the STEP-BD?

[SashaSue]

I just saw this too, really interesting. Thanks Resonance!

[resonance]

Re the STEP-BD: Sounds reasonable to me.

Probably what you'd do (I'm just guessing) is have the adult do a particular task that they have to move around for, but where they had freedom to decide how they did it. Like "find the red ball hidden in this room".

[Maddy]

Anyway. I wonder if something like this will eventually come into play in childhood bipolar diagnosis? That's contentious in part because it's very hard to diagnose in kids who don't have clearcut manic periods.

My niece has VERY clearcut swings in mood. But she also cycles faster than lance armstrong on crack. She is also autistic. Maybe that has something to do with it? I don't know.

Personally, I think they should make it Hypercolor and just have it turn different colors.

hee hee. I think that would make things much easier. oops, is that my age showing?