Abstract
Introduction: Bipolar disorder is frequently associated with obsessional symptoms. However, no reports have identified a pattern of obsessionality that is associated with a specific mood stabilizer treatment. Methods: A chart review was conducted on five patients with bipolar II disorder who spontaneously reported a form of obsessionality characterized by intrusive, recurrent phrases after taking lamotrigine. Results: Development of the phrases occurred from 7-42 years after mood disorder onset and occurred only after initiation of lamotrigine treatment. The phrases improved with lamotrigine discontinuation or dose reduction and recurred with lamotrigine re-challenge or upon dose escalation. Conclusion: A possible mechanism for the development of the intrusive phrases involves the influence of lamotrigine on glutamatergic regulation in a bipolar II disorder population vulnerable to the expression of obsessionality. Limitations of this report include its observational nature, small number of cases reported, and confound of concomitant medication use.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 106-111 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | CNS Spectrums |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Feb 1 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology