Peh ALH, Tay LK
Correspondence: Dr Andrew LH Peh, lai_huat_peh@cgh.com.sg
ABSTRACT
Introduction Bipolar disorder, or manic depressive psychosis, is a psychiatric disorder characterised by extreme changes in mood, thinking, energy and behaviour. Western studies on this condition show a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to examine the demographical profile and clinical features of this group of patients in Singapore to see if there is a similar delay.
Methods Data of patients diagnosed with this condition and treated in two separate outpatient practices in the private sector from January 1999 to October 2003 were retrieved from case files and analysed.
Results Of the 121 patients with bipolar disorder treated, there were 45 percent male and 55 percent female patients, and most of them were in the 20-39 year age group. Chinese formed the largest ethnic group while Malays were underrepresented. 58 percent were employed, and 48 percent were married. While the age of onset of illness ranged mainly from age 10 to 29 years, the age when they first sought treatment was from 20 to 39 years. A duration of illness of more than two years was found in 79 percent of these patients. In terms of diagnostic categories, 17 percent were bipolar I, 76 percent were bipolar II and 7 percent of the bipolar disorders, not otherwise specified. The first episode presented was depression in 75 percent and bipolar disorder was the initial diagnosis in only 34 percent of the cases. A delay in the correct diagnosis for more than two years accounted for 34 percent of the cases. Only 17 percent had a family history of bipolar disorder. 28 percent had a history of antidepressant-induced manic episodes and 17 percent had a previous episode of mixed state. Psychotic symptoms were absent in 75 percent, and 65 percent had never been hospitalised for their condition. Nine percent had made a past suicide attempt and 39 percent had a comorbid diagnosis. 46 percent were treated with a combination of mood stabilizers, neuroleptics and antidepressants and 16 percent had electroconvulsive therapy. Only 34 percent were in full remission of their illness.
Conclusion There was a preponderance towards the younger age groups for the age of onset, and the type of first episode was typically depression. There was a significant delay in diagnosis and treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. These features were strikingly similar to Western studies. Bipolar II was the diagnostic category seen more than bipolar I in the outpatient setting. Polypharmacy was the norm and a large group of patients did not achieve full remission.
Keywords: bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, depression, manic depressive psychosis, psychosis
Singapore Med J 2008; 49(5): 380-383
