Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://observatorio.fm.usp.br/handle/OPI/14368
Title: Association between duration of untreated bipolar disorder and clinical outcome: data from a Brazilian sample
Authors: MEDEIROS, Gustavo C.SENCO, Sofia B.LAFER, BenyALMEIDA, Karla M.
Citation: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA, v.38, n.1, p.6-10, 2016
Abstract: Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is often left untreated for long periods, and this delay in treatment correlates with unfavorable prognosis. The present study sought to assess the magnitude of duration of untreated bipolar disorder (DUB) in Brazil. We hypothesized that DUB would be longer in Brazil than in developed countries, and would be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two psychiatric outpatients were evaluated for BD diagnosis, demographics, DUB, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age and mean DUB were, respectively, 38.9 +/- 10.8 and 10.4 +/- 9.8 years. An extended DUB was associated with early onset of BD (p < 0.001), depression as first mood episode (p = 0.04), and presence of BD in a first-degree relative (p = 0.012). Additionally, a longer DUB was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, such as elevated rates of rapid cycling (p = 0.004) and anxiety disorders (p = 0.016), as well as lower levels of current full remission (p = 0.021). Conclusion: As DUB may be a modifiable variable, better medical education regarding mental health, more structured medical services, and population-wide psychoeducation might reduce the time between onset and proper management of BD, thus improving outcome.
Appears in Collections:

Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - FM/MPS
Departamento de Psiquiatria - FM/MPS

Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - HC/IPq
Instituto de Psiquiatria - HC/IPq

Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - LIM/21
LIM/21 - Laboratório de Neuroimagem em Psiquiatria

Artigos e Materiais de Revistas Científicas - ODS/03
ODS/03 - Saúde e bem-estar


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