Elevated homocysteine levels in euthymic bipolar disorder patients showing functional deterioration

Objective: Previous studies have found elevated plasma homocysteine levels in schizophrenic patients. This study examined homocysteine levels in euthymic bipolar patients. Methods: Homocysteine levels in 41 euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder (DSM IV) were compared with 305 comparison subjects from a large employee health screening program. Homocysteine levels were assessed using high‐pressure liquid chromatography by fluorescence detection following labeling of homocysteine with monobromobimane. Functional deterioration in patients was rated as ‘present’ or ‘absent’ by consensus of two treating clinicians. Results: Data were analyzed by two‐way (sex, patient versus control) ANCOVA, with age as the covariant. Significant effects were found for age (p