Manic depression Prevalence

Bipolar disorders have been categorized into bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and bipolar disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS). Bipolar I disorder is characterized by one or more manic or mixed mood episodes. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania is an abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, but not of sufficient severity to cause significant impairment in social or occupational function and does not require hospitalization. Most epidemiologic studies have looked at bipolar disorder of all types (bipolar I and bipolar II), or the bipolar spectrum, which includes all clinical conditions thought to be closely related to bipolar disorder. The lifetime prevalence of bipolar I disorder is estimated to be between 0.3% and 2.4%. The lifetime prevalence of bipolar II disorder ranges from 0.2% to 5%. When including the bipolar spectrum, the lifetime prevalence is between 3% and 6.5%.1... 

Beginning with Kraepelin s (1921) systematic classification of dysphoric mania, considerable attention has been paid to mixed states of bipolar disorder. Kraepelin s model was based on variable symptom patterns expressed in three areas, mood, thought, and motor activity. Once considered to be uncommon, current estimates suggest that the prevalence rate for dysphoric, or mixed mania, is approximately 30 percent (McElroy et al. 1992). Debate continues regarding the status of mixed mania as a distinct affective state versus a form, or stage, of typical mania. However, there is convincing evidence to support the opinion that mixed episodes can be more severe, chronic, and difficult to treat than pure manic or depressive episodes (Clothier,... 

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