M. Raia, Italy
University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Department of PsychiatryPresenter of 1 Presentation
O018 - The role of affective temperaments in predicting symptom severity in bipolar disorder
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most burdensome psychiatric illnesses, being associated with a
negative long-term outcome and high suicide rate. Although affective temperaments are considered possible mediators
of outcome, their role on the course and outcome of BD remains poorly studied.
Objectives
The aims of the present study are to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with BD more
frequently associated with the different affective temperaments and to verify which affective temperaments are
associated with a more severe clinical picture in a sample of patients with BD.
Methods
All patients with BD referring to the outpatient units of two Italian university sites have been recruited.
Patients’ psychiatric symptoms, affective temperaments, and quality of life were investigated through validated
assessment instruments.
Results
199 patients were recruited. 54.8% of patients had a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. 56.8% of the sample
reported at least one episode of aggressive behaviours and 30.2% of suicidal attempt. Predominant cyclothymic and
irritable temperaments predicted more frequent relapses, a poorer quality of life (p<;0.05), more aggressive behaviours
and suicide attempts (p<;0.01). The predominant hyperthymic disposition was a protective factor for several outcome
measures, including relapses and suicidality (p<;0.01), and was correlated with a less severity of psychiatric symptoms
and later age at onset (p<;0.05).
Conclusions
Early identification of affective temperaments in BD patients can help clinicians to identify those who
could show a worse prognosis. A screening of affective temperaments can be useful to develop early targeted integrated
pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.