Citation

Assion HJ, Brune N, Schmidt N, Aubel T, Edel MA, Basilowski M, Juckel G, Frommberger U. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2009; 44(12): 1041-1049.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LWL-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1, 44791, Bochum, Germany, h.assion@gpz-lippe.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-009-0029-1

PMID

19434346

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of data about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in European bipolar patients compared to the US-population. This study was conducted to ascertain the rates and types of traumatic events and PTSD in bipolar-I disorder. METHODS: Euthymic bipolar patients were screened for lifetime diagnosis of PTSD using the Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and the Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients (m = 30, f = 44) with diagnosis of bipolar-I disorder were assessed. 37 patients (50%) reported no trauma, 22 patients (29.7%) experienced traumatic events without diagnosis of PTSD and 15 patients (20.3%) had comorbid PTSD. Bipolar PTSD patients were at higher risk to be exposed to physical violence, parental disregard, alcohol dependence of parents, sexual assault by a family member or acquaintance. The number of siblings was higher and they had higher scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar patients are more likely to experience traumatic events and PTSD is a relevant comorbid disorder. PTSD is associated with an increased illness severity of bipolar disorder.

Language: en