
In this article, our research group assessed how exposure to particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10) could influence the risk of hospital admissions for manic episodes in individuals with Bipolar Disorder, characterized by alternating depressive and manic phases.
Exposure to PM10 in the week prior to hospitalization was considered.
The results of this analysis highlighted that higher levels of PM10 in the days preceding hospital admission were associated with an increased risk of mixed manic episodes, characterized by the presence of depressive symptoms (e.g., feelings of guilt, agitation, or loss of energy) that worsen the course of the illness. This further supports the hypothesis of the potential “depressogenic” effect of particulate matter in the air.