Predominant polarity of bipolar patients in Israel.
Studies in European and American populations have suggested that the course of bipolar illness is most often characterised by a predominance of depressions over manias. The current chart review study suggests that among manic-depressive patients in Southern Israel, a predominately manic course of illness is more common. Unlike some previous studies, no sex differences were noted in type of illness course. Possible explanations for the main finding, including climate-related factors, are discussed.
Osher
Y
Y
Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel. yamy@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Yaroslavsky
Y
Y
el-Rom
R
R
Belmaker
R H
RH
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index