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Affective disorders among Greenlandic psychiatric patients
I Lynge1, P Munk-Jørgensen, P B Mortensen
1Institute of Basic Psychiatric Research, Department of Psychiatric Demography, Psychiatric Hospital in Arhus, Risskov, Denmark.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|January 8, 2000
Summary
Affective disorders, particularly manic-depression, are recognizable in Greenland. The study found significantly higher rates of bipolar disorder in women and low rates of unipolar disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Affective disorders represent a significant global health burden.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these disorders in diverse populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, diagnostic stability, and clinical/social outcomes of affective disorders in Greenland.
- To investigate the prevalence of manic-depressive illness within the Greenlandic population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of Greenlanders hospitalized between 1980-1983 with affective disorders was studied.
- Follow-up assessments included diagnostic stability, clinical status, and social outcomes, with a focus on manic-depressive patients.
Main Results:
- Incidence rates for manic-depressive psychoses were 6.6/100,000 for men and 20.4/100,000 for women.
- A low unipolar:bipolar ratio was observed (1:3 for men, 1:2 for women), with higher bipolar disorder rates in women.
- Overall clinical and social outcomes were found to be relatively poor.
Conclusions:
- Manic-depression is a distinct diagnostic category in Greenland.
- The study highlights exceptionally low rates of unipolar disorders and high rates of bipolar disorders, particularly among women.
- Findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive mental health services in Greenland.