Thinking bipolar disorder as a symptom rather than a disease

Bipolar affective disorder (BAD), a major global health challenge, has traditionally been classified as a distinct psychiatric condition characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Recent findings suggest that BAD may not represent a singular disease but rather a manifestation of broader, interconnected pathophysiological processes underlying mood dysregulation. This study proposes a paradigm shift, conceptualizing BAD as a shared symptom reflecting common pathophysiological mechanisms rather than a discrete disorder. Through a systematic disease-wide association study (DWAS) of over 7,000 BAD patients and 337,000 controls, this study identified a wide range of comorbid conditions across multiple organ systems—neurological, metabolic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and immune-related disorders. These comorbidities indicate a deeper etiological connection rather than coincidental associations. This study suggests that BAD is part of a larger, transdiagnostic continuum, supporting the growing emphasis on dimensional models of psychopathology. This reconceptualization offers important clinical advantages, including enhanced diagnostic accuracy, integrated interventions targeting common pathophysiological pathways, and more effective patient management. By transcending traditional diagnostic boundaries, this approach fosters precision psychiatry and lays the groundwork for future research focused on shared biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately improving the clinical care and outcomes for individuals with mood disorders.