Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: December | Volume: 6 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 211-216
A Study of Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Bipolar Affective Disorder Patients
Khushbinder Singh1, PD Garg2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Govt Medical College Patiala, Punjab, India.
2Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Govt Medical College Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Corresponding Author: Khushbinder Singh
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Many studies have explored prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in bipolar affective disorder. However, Indian studies are lacking in this area. The present study was aimed to assess prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in bipolar affective disorder patients.
Material and Methods: 100 randomly selected patients with bipolar affective disorder as per ICD-10 criteria were cross-sectionally assessed. After taking written informed consent and recording socio-demographic details, Young’s Mania Rating Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Global Assessment Scale and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale were applied. Appropriate statistical methods were used.
Results: Out of 100 patients, majority were males (71%), belongs to 21-30 years (36%) and 31-40 years (23%) age group, under matric (59%), married (66%). Majority of patients were unemployed (53%) and belonged (75%) to nuclear family, from rural areas (58%). A significantly higher number of male patients were found in both groups ( 87.87% & 62.68% respectively(x2 7.04, p < 0.05), had a family income of rupees 5001-1000093.94.% & and 33.33% respectively (x27.08, p <0.05 S),history of suicide attempts 27.27% & 10.45% respectively (x2 4.45, p < 0.05 S). A significantly higher number of patients with comorbidity than without comorbidity, had more than two admissions 21.21% & 5.97% respectively (x2 4.95, p < 0.05 S),treated in ward cases 45.45% & 23.88% respectively (x2 4.73, p < 0.05 S). Majority of patients belong to Other harmful use/dependence group (54.55%) and 24.24% to Anxiety disorder. Remaining 15.15% and 6.06% belong to Alcohol harmful use/dependence and Personality disorder respectively.
Conclusion: Approximately 1/3rd patients with bipolar disorder have psychiatric comorbidity, most common being substance use & dependence followed by anxiety disorders. Comorbidity in bipolar disorder worsens the prognosis and future course of illness. Management of comorbidity along with the primary disorder should be an integral part of management of patients with bipolar affective disorder.
Key words: bipolar, comorbidity, prevalence, substance, alcohol.
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