Can we predict bipolarity among patients diagnosed as major depression first episode? A pilot study

Objective: Bipolar disorder is a common psychiatric disorder, although the diagnosis is often delayed until. Especially depressed and hypomanic episodes misdiagnosis are very frequent. We aimed in this study, patients with the major depression, detect possible diagnosis of bipolar disorder to using Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32). This study we also aimed to see whether certain HCL-32 items in favor of distinguishing bipolar disorder, we planned this study as a pilot study for a future large-scale multicenter study. Methods: This study included 100 patients who diagnosed as major depressive disorder according the DSM-IV in first admission and patients were asked to complete the HSL-32. HSL-32 cut-off score of 14 was considered to be bipolar and unipolar patients were divided into two groups. Results: 52 patients took more than 14 on HCL-32 and these patients were evaluated as bipolar group. There were no differences about sociodemographic variables between groups. Answers of the two groups were compared according to the HCL-32; bipolar group had significantly higher rate of answering “yes” to following question; the increase in self-esteem, increased energy, psychomotor activation, goal-oriented activity, increased talkativeness, creativity and elevated mood. Conclusions: We found 52% bipolarity rate of our study group. There are lower and similar rates are exist in the literature. By looking at these high rates, HCL-32 is quite sensitive in determining the incidence of bipolar disorder, but not specific enough to say that a screening tool. Especially bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder necessary to distinguish said to be needed at a higher cut-off points. Bipolar group had significantly higher rate of answering “yes” to certain questions; so in depressed patients with suspected clinical practice examination bipolarity putting more focus on these areas would be beneficial, especially in terms of bipolarity can be interpreted as the tip. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2016; 17(1.000): 12-17]