Recurrent unipolar manic disorder in the Yoruba Nigerian: further evidence

One hundred and four Yoruba Nigerian patients are described who presented with manic disorder over a five-year period; 55 could be classified as suffering from recurrent unipolar manic disorder, while 36 had suffered only one attack of mania. Only 13 patients suffered from bipolar disorder, in contrast to studies from Western societies, in which bipolar disorder is much more common than unipolar. The unipolar manic and bipolar patients could not be differentiated on the basis of clinical and social data, apart from a possible preponderance of the female sex in the bipolar group. The clinical presentation of mania was similar to that described from Western Countries. Long-term prophylaxis with depot neuroleptics may be advisable in such cases.