Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder in bipolar disorder

There is a lack of data about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in European bipolar patients compared to the US-population. This study was conducted to ascertain the rates and types of traumatic events and PTSD in bipolar-I disorder.

Euthymic bipolar patients were screened for lifetime diagnosis of PTSD using the Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and the Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale.

A total of 74 patients (m = 30, f = 44) with diagnosis of bipolar-I disorder were assessed. 37 patients (50%) reported no trauma, 22 patients (29.7%) experienced traumatic events without diagnosis of PTSD and 15 patients (20.3%) had comorbid PTSD. Bipolar PTSD patients were at higher risk to be exposed to physical violence, parental disregard, alcohol dependence of parents, sexual assault by a family member or acquaintance. The number of siblings was higher and they had higher scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale.

Bipolar patients are more likely to experience traumatic events and PTSD is a relevant comorbid disorder. PTSD is associated with an increased illness severity of bipolar disorder.