Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 June 2014
To investigate neurophysiological parameters which possibly distinguish subtypes I and II of patients with a bipolar disorder, and contrast the findings with observations from a group of schizophrenic patients and a group of healthy controls.
Sixty-six volunteers underwent a MRI scan to determine the number and location of white matter lesions (WSL). A electrophysiological registration was made while all volunteers performed a auditory ‘oddball’ task, and the amplitude of the resulting P300 wave was compared.
Earlier reports of higher numbers of WSL in bipolar disorder were not replicated in this study. Subtypes I and II showed a different P300 amplitude and subtype I resembled the results of the schizophrenia group.
Bipolar patients in remission have a functional brain disorder that is expressed by a change in physiological response to external stimuli.