Predicting lifetime mood elevation in primary care patients and psychiatric patients

Unipolar depression is undoubtedly the most common affective disorder, but recently the role of bipolar disorders has become more and more significant. The aim of the study was to improve the detection of mood elevations by careful anamnestic assessment, especially family history and psychosocial functional skills. A sample, screened for depression, of 430 primary care patients and 423 psychiatric patients aged 18-64 were interviewed in 1991-1992 using the Present State Examination. Anamnestic information was obtained by questionnaire and interview. Participants were re-contacted in 1998-1999. Experienced lifetime mood elevation was assessed in the follow-up study using the main criteria of the ICD-10 in a telephone interview by three research psychiatrists. Patient's smoking, suicidality in the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), problems in making contact with the opposite sex when a teenager, and mental problems in either of the parents when the patient was < or = 15 years were associated with experienced lifetime mood elevation. Quick and easy questions about smoking and difficulties in making contact with the opposite sex may improve the detection of mood elevation.