Psychiatric and medical comorbidities in type 1 bipolar disorder patients

Background: Bipolar disorder type I is frequently associated with psychiatric and medical comorbidities, but data regarding Brazilian patients are lacking. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric and medical comorbidities in a Brazilian sample of bipolar disorder patients type I. A secondary aim was to investigate the association of demographic characteristics and comorbidities with suicide attempts. Methods: Ninety four bipolar disorder type I patients were included in this study. Psychiatric diagnoses were performed following the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) evaluation. The diagnosis of medical comorbidities was based on clinical history and general practice consultation. Results: The com monest comorbidities in bipolar disorder patients were generalized anxiety disorder (19.20%), substance dependence (43.60%), arterial hypertension (29.80%), diabetes mellitus (17.00%), dyslipidemia (22.30%) and hypothyroidism (19.10%). There were no differences in demographic characteristics or the prevalence of comorbidities when comparing patients with and without previous suicide attempt. Conclusion: Bipolar disorder patients from a psychiatric unit present higher prevalence of psychiatric and clinical comorbidities. Previous suicide attempts were not associated with comorbidities or demographic characteristics.