BACKGROUND: There have been few detailed longitudinal symptom studies of bipolar disorder. AIMS: To describe the course of bipolar disorder over 18 months in 204 patients receiving mental healthcare. METHOD: Patients were interviewed every 8 weeks, with weekly ratings of depression, mania and overall severity. RESULTS: Participants were symptomatic 53% of the time, with sub-syndromal symptoms present for twice as long as major disorder, and depressive symptoms three times more than manic symptoms. Individuals who were experiencing an episode at baseline spent 33% of the 18 months with substantial sub-syndromal symptoms, 17% with major disorder and 28% symptom free. Those not experiencing a baseline episode spent twice as long symptom free and half as long at disorder levels. Changes in symptom level were frequent. Predictors of sub-syndromal symptoms were similar to those of major disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-syndromal residual symptoms are an important problem in recurrent bipolar disorder and require therapeutic intervention.
BACKGROUND: There have been few detailed longitudinal symptom studies of bipolar disorder. AIMS: To describe the course of bipolar disorder over 18 months in 204 patients receiving mental healthcare. METHOD:Patients were interviewed every 8 weeks, with weekly ratings of depression, mania and overall severity. RESULTS:Participants were symptomatic 53% of the time, with sub-syndromal symptoms present for twice as long as major disorder, and depressive symptoms three times more than manic symptoms. Individuals who were experiencing an episode at baseline spent 33% of the 18 months with substantial sub-syndromal symptoms, 17% with major disorder and 28% symptom free. Those not experiencing a baseline episode spent twice as long symptom free and half as long at disorder levels. Changes in symptom level were frequent. Predictors of sub-syndromal symptoms were similar to those of major disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-syndromal residual symptoms are an important problem in recurrent bipolar disorder and require therapeutic intervention.
Authors: Fiona Lobban; Nadia Akers; Duncan Appelbe; Rossella Iraci Capuccinello; Lesley Chapman; Lizzi Collinge; Susanna Dodd; Sue Flowers; Bruce Hollingsworth; Mahsa Honary; Sonia Johnson; Steven H Jones; Ceu Mateus; Barbara Mezes; Elizabeth Murray; Katerina Panagaki; Naomi Rainford; Heather Robinson; Anna Rosala-Hallas; William Sellwood; Andrew Walker; Paula R Williamson Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-06 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: Ellen Frank; Isabella Soreca; Holly A Swartz; Andrea M Fagiolini; Alan G Mallinger; Michael E Thase; Victoria J Grochocinski; Patricia R Houck; David J Kupfer Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2008-10-01 Impact factor: 18.112