Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
https://trends.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/S2237-60892013000200002
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Review Article

Systematic review of the prevalence of bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders in population-based studies

Revisão sistemática da prevalência do transtorno bipolar e do espectro bipolar em estudos de base populacional

José Caetano Dell'Aglio Jr.; Lissia Ana Basso; Irani Iracema de Lima Argimon; Adriane Arteche

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2237-60892013000200002 Trends Psychiatry Psychother, vol.35, n2, p.99-105, 2013
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Abstract

This paper describes the findings of a systematic literature review aimed at providing an overview of the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders in population-based studies. Databases MEDLINE, ProQuest, Psychnet, and Web of Science were browsed for papers published in English between 1999 and May 2012 using the following search string: bipolar disorders OR bipolar spectrum disorders AND prevalence OR cross-sectional OR epidemiology AND population-based OR non-clinical OR community based. The search yielded a total of 434 papers, but only those published in peer-reviewed journals and with samples aged ≥ 18 years were included, resulting in a final sample of 18 papers. Results revealed rather heterogeneous findings concerning the prevalence of bipolar disorders and bipolar spectrum disorders. Lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder ranged from 0.1 to 7.5%, whereas lifetime prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders ranged from 2.4 to 15.1%. Differences in the rates of bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders may be related to the consideration of subthreshold criteria upon diagnosis. Differences in the prevalence of different subtypes of the disorder are discussed in light of diagnostic criteria and instruments applied.

Keywords

Bipolar disorders, prevalence, epidemiology, systematic review

Resumo

O presente artigo descreve os achados de uma revisão sistemática da literatura cujo objetivo foi oferecer uma visão geral sobre a prevalência de transtorno bipolar e transtornos do espectro bipolar em estudos populacionais. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, ProQuest, Psychnet e Web of Science, com foco em estudos publicados em inglês entre 1999 e maio de 2012, utilizando-se a seguinte estratégia de busca: bipolar disorders OR bipolar spectrum disorders AND prevalence OR cross-sectional OR epidemiology AND population-based OR non-clinical OR community based. Foram encontrados 434 artigos, mas apenas publicações em revistas científicas com processo de revisão por pares (peer review) e envolvendo participantes com 18 anos ou mais foram incluídos, gerando uma amostra final de 18 estudos. Encontraram-se dados bastante heterogêneos sobre a prevalência do transtorno bipolar e de transtornos do espectro bipolar. A taxa de prevalência do transtorno bipolar ao longo da vida variou entre 0,1 e 7,5%, enquanto a taxa dos transtornos do espectro bipolar variou entre 2,4 e 15,1%. As diferenças entre as prevalências de transtorno bipolar e de transtornos do espectro bipolar parecem estar relacionadas à consideração de formas subliminares no momento do diagnóstico. As diferenças de prevalência dos diferentes subtipos do transtorno são discutidas em relação aos critérios diagnósticos e instrumentos utilizados.

Palavras-chave

Transtorno bipolar, prevalência, epidemiologia, revisão sistemática

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