Objective: The underlying mechanisms of bipolar disorder (BPD) have not been completely established. Oxidative imbalance is one possible mechanism of BPD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of oxidative metabolism on BPD.
Method: The study included 50 patients diagnosed with type 1 BPD according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and 40 healthy controls. The Young Mania Depression Scale (YMDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and a sociodemographic form were administered to all patients in manic episodes and the control group. Blood samples were collected for assessment of the Total Antioxidant Level (TAL), Total Oxidant Level (TOL) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI). After the remission period, clinical scales were applied, and blood samples were collected.
Results: In this study, TOL and OSI parameters were significantly higher in the mania period of patients with BPD than the control group. After response to the treatment, TAL parameters were similar between the groups, while TOL and OSI parameters were significantly lower in patients with BPD than controls.
Conclusion: Patients in the mania period of BPD had high levels of oxidants. After response to the treatment, patients’ oxidative parameters were lower than the control group. This suggests oxidative metabolism is related to the mania period rather than the etiology of BPD. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, which are commonly used in the treatment of BPD, have an anti-oxidative effect, meaning they strengthen the anti-oxidative system. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effects of the oxidative system on BPD.