IMPACT of bipolar study

The main objectives of the study were to investigate the IMPACT of bipolar I disorder on people who have the condition, including professional and personal lives and relationships with their partner, family and friends.

Key findings from the IMPACT Study of mania with depressive symptoms include insights on:

• Frequency of occurrence
• Time to diagnosis
• Duration of episodes
• Remission rates
• Worsening of outcomes

Battling concomitant manic and depressive symptoms

Patients who experience depressive symptoms during a manic episode face even greater challenges than during purely manic episodes. Mania with concomitant depressive symptoms is associated with more frequent episodes of longer duration, more frequent relapses, a longer time to reach symptomatic remission and higher rates of suicide.

Anxiety, irritability and agitation

Anxiety and irritability or agitation during a manic episode is a relevant discriminator of depressive symptoms. 72% of patients experiencing mania with depressive symptoms reported symptoms of anxiety and irritability or agitation, compared to 27% of patients without depressive symptoms.

Remission

The aim of bipolar I disorder treatment is to achieve remission of symptoms for the longest period possible. Of those questioned, 62% of patients suffering mania with depressive symptoms did not reach remission (no symptoms for 6 weeks or longer) compared to 34% of those suffering from mania without depressive symptoms.

Symptom-free periods

Patients suffering from mania with depressive symptoms are more likely to experience shorter symptom free periods, which can be associated with poorer patient outcomes. (45% vs 21%).