Background:

Previous research using the ALSPAC cohort has found an association between childhood serum levels of interlukin 6 (Il-6) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and both depression and psychosis symptoms in young adult life (1). The association between childhood inflammatory markers and bipolar disorder has not been examined. There is some evidence that Il-6 is acutely raised during mood episodes in bipolar disorder but appears to return to control levels during euthymia (2). Also there are reports that inflammatory illnesses in childhood, such as asthma, are associated with both elevated Il-6 prior to the diagnosis (3) and with adult diagnoses of bipolar disorder (4).

Aim:

To examine the association between atopic illness (asthma and eczema) and inflammatory markers in childhood, and manic symptoms in young adult life.

Hypotheses:

1) That atopic illness in childhood is associated with increased risk of future manic symptoms

2) That higher serum levels of Il-6 and CRP in childhood increase the risk of future manic symptoms.