A goal-striving life event and the onset of hypomanic and depressive episodes and symptoms: Perspective from the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) dysregulation theory.

On the basis of the behavioral approach system (BAS) dysregulation theory of bipolar disorder, this study examined the relation between occurrence of a BAS activation-relevant life event--goal striving--and onset of hypomanic and depressive episodes and symptoms. In particular, the authors examined the relation between preparing for and completing final exams (a goal-striving event) and onset of bipolar spectrum episodes and symptoms in college students with bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia (i.e., "soft" bipolar spectrum conditions). One hundred fifty-nine individuals with either a bipolar spectrum disorder (n=68) or no major affective psychopathology (controls; n=91) were further classified on the basis of whether they were college students (i.e., completed final exams). Consistent with the BAS dysregulation theory, preparing for and completing final exams was associated with an increase in hypomanic but not depressive episodes and symptoms in individuals with a soft bipolar spectrum diagnosis. Furthermore, self-reported BAS sensitivity moderated the presence of certain hypomanic symptoms during final exams. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Depression, hypomania, and dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions as mediators between stress and insomnia: The best advice is not always found on the pillow!

A cognitive mediation model was examined to find out how stress, depression, and hypomania precipitate the occurrence of dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions, which in turn lead to insomnia. A total of 862 participants (639 women, 223 men; M age: 24.67 years, SD = 5.91) completed a series of self-report questionnaires assessing perceived stress, depression, hypomania, dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions, and insomnia. Compared to men, women reported higher levels of stress, depression, and insomnia. Women also suffered from more dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions. All variables were intercorrelated. Structural equation analyses showed that the relationship between stress and insomnia was largely mediated by dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions. Links between depression and insomnia were found to be weak when controlled for stress and dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions. The findings support a cognitive model of insomnia. Stress must be seen as a precipitating factor in the onset and maintenance of insomnia. Consequently, competencies to deal with dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions should be fostered in stress management programs. In turn, stress management should be a primary focus in the treatment of insomnia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Proneness to hypomania/mania symptoms or depression symptoms and asymmetrical frontal cortical responses to an anger-evoking event.

The behavioral approach system (BAS) reflects the propensity to respond to signals of reward, including stimuli associated with safety and goal-oriented attack (e.g., anger). Hypomania/mania has been posited to involve increased BAS activity. In contrast, depression has been posited to involve decreased BAS activity. Building on past research, which suggests that increased left frontal cortical activity is a neurophysiological index of BAS activity, the present research tested the hypotheses that proneness toward hypomania/mania symptoms would be related to increased relative left frontal activity and that proneness toward depression symptoms would be related to decreased relative left frontal activity in response to an anger-evoking event. Results from 67 individuals who had completed a measure of proneness toward these affective symptoms and were exposed to an anger-evoking event supported the hypotheses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)