Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, Daskalakis et al (page 378) demonstrate that neural plasticity is impaired in both unmedicated and medicated patients with schizophrenia. These findings suggest that the neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in coordinating neural plasticity (eg, N-methyl-D-aspartate) may be disrupted in schizophrenia and may also account for the motor learning impairments that form part of this disorder.
In a long-term follow-up study, Judd et al (page 386) found that patients with bipolar disorder types I and II who recovered with ongoing residual symptoms experienced a subsequent-episode relapse/recurrence more than 3 times faster than those with asymptomatic recovery. Despite meeting the current consensus definition of episode recovery, the presence of residual symptoms after resolution of a major affective episode suggests that the illness is still active.