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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Bipolar disorders in Australia. A population-based study of excess costs
Laura J Fisher1, Robert D Goldney, Eleonora Dal Grande
1Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, The Adelaide Clinic, 33 Park Terrace, Gilberton, SA, 5081, Australia.
Objective:
To estimate the excess costs associated with bipolar disorders in Australia, based on prevalence (using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)) and associated excess burden-of-illness costs.
Methods:
Using data from the 2004 South Australian Health Omnibus Survey (HOS), a weighted cross-sectional survey of 3,015 adults, excess costs were estimated from health service utilisation.
Results:
There was a 2.5% lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorders, delineated by the MDQ. Those persons (MDQ positive) reported a significantly greater use of services and a poorer health status and quality of life than those who were MDQ negative. Using the service provision perspective, excess costs of bipolar disorders in Australia were approx $3.97-$4.95 billion.
Conclusions:
These results from an Australian population demonstrate the significant economic burden of bipolar disorders. Our findings emphasise the need for further evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of different treatments, or alternative means of reducing the burden borne by individuals, the health system and the general community.
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