Association between OPCRIT dimensions and polymorphisms of HPA axis genes in bipolar disorder

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association between polymorphisms of HPA axis genes- CRHR1 (corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor), NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) and AVPR1B (arginine vasopressin receptor) and dimensions of bipolar disorder assessed by OPCRIT. We examined 560 patients with diagnosis of bipolar disorder ( n =457) and unipolar disorder ( n =103). Diagnosis was established by SCID and OPCRIT. We found association between polymorphisms of AVPR1b gene and psychotic dimension and CRHR1 polymorphisms and excitement and psychotic dimension. Our results suggest possible involvement of the AVPR1b and CRHR1 genes in the ethiology of psychotic features in the course of affective disorders, and possible involvement of CRHR1 gene in the ethiology of bipolar disorder.