[Perception of the impact of Bipolar Disorder and its diagnosis in health centers in Argentine and Chile].
OBJECTIVE
Early detection and treatment of Bipolar Disorder (BD) determine a significant relief in the considerable burden this disease implies. In order to adequately plan the strategies to guarantee access to treatment, it is useful to consider data which reflect the everyday vicissitudes the people affected by this pathology have to deal with. People on treatment for BD in centres in Argentina and Chile were surveyed, collecting data on their access to diagnosis and treatment. The centre surveyed in Chile, unlike those in Argentina, operates as a specialized unit.


METHODS
An anonymous assisted survey was carried out; a random sample of people assisted in the participating centres with a diagnosis of BD type I or II, and stabilized for a period no shorter than 12 months, was assessed.


RESULTS
100 people were surveyed in Argentina and 69 in Chile (70% women, age 45.2 +/- 14.7, average schooling 12 years). Seventy one percent began symptoms at adult age (28,43 +/- 13 years), 14% during childhood. Age at first consultation was: 30 +/- 12.5; 85% reported having suffered psychotic symptoms, 46.4% suicide attempts, 71% hospitalisations for BD. Sixty-nine percent reported diagnostic delays longer than a year (median 8 years), 75% reported having received other diagnosis prior to their BD diagnosis (62% unipolar depression, 41% schizophrenia). Forty-one percent reported being unemployed. Delays and diagnostic errors were associated to a significant increase in the functional impact reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 7 out of 10 people report difficulties in the access to a BD diagnosis. These difficulties magnify the already important impact of the disease.
Strejilevich
Sergio
S
Area de Investigación y Desarrollo en Salud Mental, Buenos Aires, Argentina. sstreji@intramed.net
Retamal Carrasco
Pedro
P
D001118:Argentina; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002677:Chile; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged