Solar insolation in springtime influences age of onset of bipolar I disorder

Bauer, M.;Glenn, T.;Alda, M.;Aleksandrovich, M. A.;Andreassen, O. A.;Angelopoulos, E.;Ardau, R.;Ayhan, Y.;Baethge, C.;Bharathram, S. R.;Bauer, R.;Baune, B. T.;Becerra-palars, C.;Bellivier, F.;Belmaker, R. H.;Berk, M.;Bersudsky, Y.;Bicakci, Å.ž.;Birabwa-oketcho, H.;Bjella, T. D.;Bossini, L.;Cabrera, J.;Cheung, E. Y. W.;Del Zompo, M.;Dodd, S.;Donix, M.;Etain, B.;Fagiolini, A.;Fountoulakis, K. N.;Frye, M. A.;Gonzalez-pinto, A.;Gottlieb, J. F.;Grof, P.;Harima, H.;Henry, C.;Isometsã¤, E. T.;Janno, S.;Kapczinski, F.;Kardell, M.;Khaldi, S.;Kliwicki, S.;Kã¶nig, B.;Kot, T. L.;Krogh, R.;Kunz, M.;Lafer, B.;Landã©n, M.;Larsen, E. R.;Lewitzka, U.;Licht, R. W.;Lopez-jaramillo, C.;Macqueen, G.;Manchia, M.;Marsh, W.;Martinez-cengotitabengoa, M.;Melle, I.;Meza-urzãºa, F.;Yee Ming, M.;Monteith, S.;Morken, G.;Mosca, E.;Munoz, R.;Mythri, S. V.;Nacef, F.;Nadella, R. K.;Nery, F. G.;Nielsen, R. E.;O'donovan, C.;Omrani, A.;Osher, Y.;Østermark Sã¸rensen, H.;Ouali, U.;Pica Ruiz, Y.;Pilhatsch, M.;Pinna, M.

Member of the Collaboration Group

;Da Ponte, F. D. R.;Quiroz, D.;Ramesar, R.;Rasgon, N.;Reddy, M. S.;Reif, A.;Ritter, P.;Rybakowski, J. K.;Sagduyu, K.;Scippa, Ã.‚. M.;Severus, E.;Simhandl, C.;Stein, D. J.;Strejilevich, S.;Subramaniam, M.;Sulaiman, A. H.;Suominen, K.;Tagata, H.;Tatebayashi, Y.;Tondo, L.;Torrent, C.;Vaaler, A. E.;Veeh, J.;Vieta, E.;Viswanath, B.;Yoldi-negrete, M.;Zetin, M.;Zgueb, Y.;Whybrow, P. C.

2017-01-01

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Abstract

Objective: To confirm prior findings that the larger the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation in springtime, the younger the age of onset of bipolar disorder. Method: Data were collected from 5536 patients at 50 sites in 32 countries on six continents. Onset occurred at 456 locations in 57 countries. Variables included solar insolation, birth-cohort, family history, polarity of first episode and country physician density. Results: There was a significant, inverse association between the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation at the onset location, and the age of onset. This effect was reduced in those without a family history of mood disorders and with a first episode of mania rather than depression. The maximum monthly increase occurred in springtime. The youngest birth-cohort had the youngest age of onset. All prior relationships were confirmed using both the entire sample, and only the youngest birth-cohort (all estimated coefficients P < 0.001). Conclusion: A large increase in springtime solar insolation may impact the onset of bipolar disorder, especially with a family history of mood disorders. Recent societal changes that affect light exposure (LED lighting, mobile devices backlit with LEDs) may influence adaptability to a springtime circadian challenge.