Background: Neurological soft signs (NSS) are endphenotypic markers widely studied in schizophrenia, but few papers have focused on evaluating them in bipolar disorder (BP) and their first degree relatives.
Objectives: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and scores of NSS in bipolar I patients in remission state compared to their healthy relatives and controls, in addition to explore correlation with some sociodemographic data and clinical features of these euthymic patients.
Methods: The study was conducted on 30 euthymic bipolar 1 patients, 30 their healthy relatives and 30 control subjects. The neurological soft signs were assessed by the Neurological Evaluation scale (NES). Bipolar I. Euthymic patients were also assessed by young Mania rating scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression rating scale (HDRS). All subjects were recruited from Zagazig university Hospital. A simple questionnaire was structured for all participants to collect some sociodemographic data.
Results: NSS are prevalent in bipolar 1 euthymic patients and their first degree relatives, though significantly more in affected subjects.
Conclusion: This suggests that NSS could be considered as trait marker supporting the theory that bipolar disorder may be a neurodevelopmental disorder.