Depression plagues bipolar disorder patients during manic episodes: Study

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According to a new international study, titled “Investigating Manic Phases And Current Trends of Bipolar, or IMPACT of Bipolar,” 64 percent of patients with bipolar I disorder experience symptoms of depression during episodes of mania.

“The results of the global IMPACT of Bipolar study show depression is a significant factor during mania for a considerable number of bipolar I patients,” said Professor Eduard Vieta, director of the Bipolar Disorders Program Hospital Clinic at the University of Barcelona in Spain.

“Depressive symptoms can have a marked impact on patients with bipolar I disorder. This impact is compounded when the depression also occurs during an episode of mania. Continued research is critical to improve approaches to effective management.”

Participants in the study also reported that their relationships were affected by their bipolar I diagnosis. The study showed that 45 percent of participants had lost a job after they were diagnosed, and 38 percent were divorced or separated due to the illness. In addition, 76 percent of participants said their expectations for success in life had decreased.

“Bipolar I disorder can have a dramatic effect on the lives of those living with the disorder and their family and friends,” said Paul Arteel, executive director of the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN) Europe. “The IMPACT of Bipolar Study found that a significant number of participants become more pessimistic about their future after diagnosis which can have a dramatic affect on their sense of well being.”

Seven hundred people from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom took part in the IMPACT of Bipolar Study. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 65, and diagnosed with bipolar I disorder for a minimum of 12 months. The study was commissioned by Lundbeck Ltd.

Source: PRNewswire