Gender differences in patients with bipolar disorder influence outcome in the medical outcomes survey (SF-20) subscale scores.
BACKGROUND
The importance of gender on the course and outcome in bipolar disorder (BD) has been widely acknowledged. The limited data suggest that the prevalence is similar between sexes but that the course of illness may be different. This study investigated gender differences in a clinic sample of patients with BD including a measure of subjects' perception of well-being and functioning.


METHODS
Euthymic outpatients attending a mood disorders clinic were systematically assessed. Measurements obtained included SADS-LV, Hamilton Depression Ratings scores, Young Mania Rating scores, and Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 20 items and Global Assessment of Functioning.


RESULTS
Women with BD have a later onset of mania, are more likely to have a rapid cycling course, experience mixed episodes, experience more depressive episodes and report more overall impairment in all MOS subscale scores with significant impairment in physical health and pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation and replication of these differences need to be addressed including non-euthymic patients and during a longer period of systematic follow-up.
Robb
J C
JC
McMaster University Department of Psychiatry and the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, ON, Canada. robbj@fhs.mcmaster.ca
Young
L T
LT
Cooke
R G
RG
Joffe
R T
RT
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors