Clinical characteristics, sociodemographic profile, and treatment pattern of bipolar disorder - A multicenter study from India

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a chronic debilitating psychiatric illness, which is episodic in nature. Considering the paucity of evidence from an Indian real-world setting, the objective of the study was to assess the clinicoepidemiological profile of BPD patients and management practices in India. This multicenter, cross-sectional, single-visit study was conducted across 37 centers in India. Patients aged 18–65 years diagnosed with BPD type I or II, with a duration of ≥2 years, were evaluated by using semi-structured questionnaires and standard tools for socio-demographic profile, clinical outcomes, and management practices. A total of 574 patients were enrolled. Socio-demographic data suggest that majority of the patients were men, educated, employed, and belonging to upper-middle class. Mean age at the time of diagnosis of BPD was 33.7 (10.98) years. In all, 348 (60.6%) and 226 (39.4%) patients presented with mania and depression as the first episode of BPD. Total number of seasonal courses (n ​= ​59) and rapid cycling episodes (n ​= ​48) were 2.4 (4.48) and 1.0 (1.74), respectively. The duration of BPD symptoms and duration from diagnosis were 11.9 (32.66) months, and 67.3 (59.73) months, respectively. Mood stabilizers like lithium were recommended in majority of the patients. Findings from this study will help design accurate and personalized treatment plans for the Indian setting. Nevertheless, further studies with extended follow up are warranted for optimal treatment course and outcomes. • In this large, Indian cohort study, bipolar disease was more frequent among men. • Most patients presented with mania as the first episode of bipolar disease. • Mood stabilizers like lithium were the most frequently recommended treatment option. • Other key findings were average QoL, mild disability, and moderate caregiver burden.