The Neurobiology of Mixed States

Abstract

Interest in the coexistence of manic and depressive symptoms fostered hypotheses on neurobiological underpinnings of mixed states. Neurobiological properties of mixed states, however, have not been comprehensively described. The authors searched databases for articles on neurobiological markers related to mixed states. Results showed that mixed states are characterized by elevated central and peripheral monoamine levels, greater alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increased inflammation, and greater circadian rhythms dysfunction than nonmixed forms. Furthermore, the magnitude of pathophysiologic alterations in mixed states exceeds those associated with nonmixed mania or depression and suggest that hyperactivation and hyperarousal are core features of mixed states.

Keywords: Biology; Bipolar disorder; Circadian rhythms; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Inflammation; Mixed states; Monoamines.