Prevalence of episodes of mania and hypomania and associated comorbidities among young adults

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of episodes of mania and hypomania, as well as associated factors and comorbidities among adults 18 to 24 years old in the city of Pelotas, Brazil.MethodThis is a cross-sectional population-based study. The sample was selected through conglomerates, and episodes of mania and hypomania were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1560 subjects. The lifetime prevalence of manic and hypomanic episodes was 7.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Subjects with (hypo)manic episodes had a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, substance abuse and suicidality.LimitationThe high rate of (hypo)mania may to some extent reflect diagnostic error.ConclusionSuch high prevalence of (hypo)mania may nonetheless be valid as it was associated with corresponding rates of comorbidity and suicidality.