What are the General Longitudinal Features of bipolar disorder?
One of the most important features of bipolar disorder is that it is an episodic (recurrent) long-term illness with a variable course. For most people with bipolar disorder, the illness is episodic and may include periods of relatively normal functioning between acute episodes. Episodes tend to become more frequent and may worsen over time.
Of particular concern in bipolar disorder is the development of rapid cycling — the occurrence of four or more mood episodes within a year. The development of rapid cycling is associated with a poorer long-term prognosis.
Longitudinal features associated with bipolar disorder include:
- More than 90% of individuals who have a single manic episode will also have future episodes.
- About 40% of people with bipolar I disorder have more than ten episodes.
- The average episode duration ranges from 4 to 13 months.
- The interval between episodes decreases with age (i.e., episodes tend to become more frequent).
- Rapid cycling occurs in 5% to 15% of those with bipolar disorder and is more common in women.
Bipolar Disorder Definition |
Bipolar Disorder Epidemiology |
Bipolar Disorder Facts |
General Longitudinal Features |
Long-Term Consequences |
Bipolar Disorder Among Children |
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