Differential clinical characteristics and possible predictors of bipolarity in a sample of unipolar and bipolar inpatients

Based on studies conducted in community samples, the lifetime prevalence of both UD and BD is considered to be approximately 13% (Zimmermann  et al., 2009), and at least 50% of those who experience a unipolar depressive episode suffer from a sub-threshold BD (Angst et al., 2011). Moreover, at least 40% of patients with BD initially receive an incorrect diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder (Ghaemi et al., 1999). When compared t o UD, BD may be considered a highly recurrent condition with a severe and chronic course associated with interpersonal problems, vocational disability, considerable morbidity, and increased mortality (Angst, 2004; Perlis et al., 2004).
Source: Psychiatry Research - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research