Abstract
Background: The goal of this study was to assess the frequency and spectrum of symptoms related to bipolar disorders in a community sample by means of a self-rating questionnaire. Method: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire, a self-rating scale which evaluates DSM-IV manic/hypomanic symptoms, was administered to a community sample of 1,034 individuals recruited through advertisements. Symptom interrelationships were studied by factor analysis. Results: 275 individuals (26.6%) reported moderate or severe impairment due to the symptoms. Manic/hypomanic symptoms were present in a high proportion of individuals. Factor analysis found a two-factor structure of bipolar spectrum symptoms (an elevated mood overactivity factor, and an irritable behavior factor). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need of complementing clinical investigations on the bipolar spectrum with community studies. Subclinical manic-hypomanic symptoms may be present also in allegedly unipolar patients and may have implications on the course of illness.
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