Prevalence and description of psychotic features in bipolar mania

Psychotic symptoms are common in both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. More than half of patients with bipolar disorder will experience psychotic symptoms in their lifetime. Grandiose delusions are the most common type of psychotic symptom, but any kind of psychotic symptom, including thought disorder, hallucinations, mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms, and catatonia can present as part of a manic episode. Psychotic symptoms suggest poor prognosis when they occur in the absence of affective symptoms. However, psychotic symptoms can mask affective symptoms and make the distinction between manic-depressive illness and other psychiatric disorders difficult, especially in minorities. Careful assessment of prior psychiatric history, family history, and treatment response can aid in the differentiation of affective disorders with psychotic features from psychotic disorders.