Caractéristiques sociodémographiques et cliniques de patients souffrant de troubles bipolaires suivis en ambulatoire en France métropolitaine

This study could shed some light for a better understanding of demographics and clinical patterns of patients with bipolar disorders consulting psychiatrists in France. The results emphasize the severity of bipolar disorders with mainly depressive episodes, a high proportion of rapid-cycling, comorbidities and associated psychotic symptoms; these characteristics being more marked in patients suffering from BD I. Furthermore, this study confirms the strong negative impact on social and professional life of French bipolar patients, requiring specific management in addition to the symptomatic treatment.