Bipolar disorder: national survey shows major impairment
16th July 2004
The first Australian national survey of the prevalence of bipolar disorder has revealed a significant level of disability and suicide attempts, and low rates of treatment.
The study by three UNSW researchers analysed data from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being, in which more than 10,000 people participated. They found that in any 12 month period, one in every two hundred Australians will experience bipolar disorder (previously referred to as manic depression).
Those with bipolar disorder had a high risk of divorce and separation (five times the population rate). One quarter had attempted suicide at some stage of their lives; and the average person with this condition was not able to carry out their normal roles (work and home responsibilities) for seven days over the prior month.
There were also high concurrent rates of other mental illnesses, with half also suffering from an anxiety disorder, one third alcohol problems, and a quarter drug abuse or dependence. A finding of concern was that one third had received no treatment in the prior year, and 40% had not received medications (which are the mainstay of treatment) over that time.
Compared to people in the survey who had depression, those with bipolar disorder had higher rates of drug abuse or dependence; greater disability as measured by days in which they could not undertake their usual routines; increased rates of treatment with medicines; and higher lifetime rates of suicide attempts. They also had a greater likelihood of being without a partner.
The study was undertaken by Professor Philip Mitchell of the School of Psychiatry UNSW and director of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital, and Dr Tim Slade and Professor Gavin Andrews of the UNSW Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUFAD), based at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney.
A 2001 study by Professor Andrews on the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being data indicated a 12 month prevalence rate for all mental disorders of 20%. The study of the twelve-month prevalence and disability of bipolar disorder has just been published in the prestigious British journal Psychological Medicine.
CONTACT DETAILS: Louisa Wright, UNSW Media unit, tel 9385 3644.
The study by three UNSW researchers analysed data from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being, in which more than 10,000 people participated. They found that in any 12 month period, one in every two hundred Australians will experience bipolar disorder (previously referred to as manic depression).
Those with bipolar disorder had a high risk of divorce and separation (five times the population rate). One quarter had attempted suicide at some stage of their lives; and the average person with this condition was not able to carry out their normal roles (work and home responsibilities) for seven days over the prior month.
There were also high concurrent rates of other mental illnesses, with half also suffering from an anxiety disorder, one third alcohol problems, and a quarter drug abuse or dependence. A finding of concern was that one third had received no treatment in the prior year, and 40% had not received medications (which are the mainstay of treatment) over that time.
Compared to people in the survey who had depression, those with bipolar disorder had higher rates of drug abuse or dependence; greater disability as measured by days in which they could not undertake their usual routines; increased rates of treatment with medicines; and higher lifetime rates of suicide attempts. They also had a greater likelihood of being without a partner.
The study was undertaken by Professor Philip Mitchell of the School of Psychiatry UNSW and director of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital, and Dr Tim Slade and Professor Gavin Andrews of the UNSW Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUFAD), based at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney.
A 2001 study by Professor Andrews on the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being data indicated a 12 month prevalence rate for all mental disorders of 20%. The study of the twelve-month prevalence and disability of bipolar disorder has just been published in the prestigious British journal Psychological Medicine.
CONTACT DETAILS: Louisa Wright, UNSW Media unit, tel 9385 3644.
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