Abstract
Introduction: Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified is a complex condition characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bipolar disorder not otherwise specified progression and patients’ clinical and demographic characteristics.
Patients and Methods: Data for this study was obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted between the years 2008-2021. The study investigated 171 patients with bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. The data collection tool was the content of the file registered in the psychiatry department of the hospital, which was based on the physician’s interview with the patient. Data analysis was conducted using statistical tests in SPSS version 26 software.
Results: Out of 171 patients, 80 (46.8%) were men with a mean age of 39.5 ± 12.2 years. The results found that the duration of symptoms onset to hospitalization in patients with mania symptoms was related to gender, family history of mental illness, and history of opium abuse. On the other hand, the duration of symptoms onset to hospitalization in patients with major depressive episodes (MDEs) was related to education level, marital status, and family history of mental illness (P<0.05). In the patients with both Mania and MDEs’ symptoms, no statistically significant correlation was found between patients’ characteristics with the duration of symptoms onset to their hospitalization (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Identification of related risk factors and early treatment of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, along with addressing potential comorbidities such as family heredity and opium abuse, can help improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life. Clinicians should consider these factors when assessing these patients to provide appropriate treatment and support.