The Zurich Study. X. Hypomania in a 28- to 30-year-old cohort

Hypomania in a 28- to 30-year-old cohort is described. Data were taken from a prospective longitudinal cohort study from the general population of Zurich, Switzerland. An estimated 1-year prevalence rate of hypomania of 4% was found. Over a period of time hypomania was associated with major depression and dysthymia. We found equal proportions of suicide attempts and equal rates of treated family members among hypomanics and depressives. Furthermore, the previous history of treatment of mild bipolars (hypomania with depression) and unipolar depressives was comparable. The sum of life events, several SCL-90R scores and the scores of distress in relationships were already elevated in hypomanics 7 years before diagnosis of hypomania, indicating an increased activity level, a generalized increase in neuroticism, and a relatively unvarying behaviour pattern in social relationships.