Lifetime and 12-Month Prevalence of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication

Abstract

The estimated lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder (BPD) in population surveys using structured diagnostic interviews and standardized criteria is approximately 0.8% for BP-I and 1.1% for BP-II.^1-8 Despite this comparatively low prevalence, BPD is a leading cause of premature mortality due to suicide and associated medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.^9,10 Also, BPD causes widespread role impairment.^11,12 The recurrent nature of manic and depressive episodes often leads to high direct and indirect health care costs.^13,14