Our aim is to assess clinical features in BD patients.
Methods: The sample included 67 BD patients according to the DSM-IV-TR. Assessments were made using semi-structured interviews to patients and relatives.
Chi-square, Fisher exact probability test and Mann-Whitney test were used.
Results: The mean age was 40 years and 67 % were women. A 64% had BDI and 36% had BDII.
The mean age of onset was 24 years-old and diagnostic delay was 8 years.
63% of patients reported history of suicidal ideation and 25% at least one suicide attempt.
No difference between gender and BD type was found.
A lifetime history of psychosis, mood-congruent psychosis, seasonal pattern and antidepressant-induced mania were reported in a 26%, 20%, 29%, 16% respectively. No difference between male and female sample was found. BDI had greater seasonal pattern than BDII(37,5% vs. 16,7%, p<0,1).
A 24% of patients were rapid cyclers. Women had a higher rate than men (32% vs. 9%, p< 0,05) and BDII patients had a higher rate than BDI (p <0,01).
Residual depressive symptoms history was present in 47 % of patients. No difference was found between males and females. BDII had a greater rate than BDI (67% vs. 37%, p< 0,05).
Mixed episodes history was reported in 18 % of patients. Women had a higher rate than men
(p < 0,01).
Antidepressant-induced mania was reported in 24% of BDI and 5% of BDII patients (p<0,1).
CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights commonalities and distinctions of clinical characteristics of BD regarding others BD samples.