High Drop-out Rates from Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Nimhans
Dr. K Muralidharan, Medical Superintendent, and Psychiatry Professor reports that 70-80% of patients seeking treatment for bipolar disorder at Nimhans discontinue, exacerbating their condition. Bipolar disorder causes frequent mood swings between mania and depression and typically lasts a lifetime. Once patients stabilize, they and their families may become complacent and stop treatment, leading to relapse episodes that can result in job loss, suicide, and family discord.
Dr. Muralidharan stressed that, like with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, it is important to continue medication and engage with doctors to keep the disorder under control and prevent future episodes. The number of patients with the bipolar disorder seeking treatment has increased over time, with around 40,000 patients treated annually at Nimhans, which is observing World Bipolar Day on March 30 with various events.
Bipolar disorder affects 0.5% of the population and tends to run in families. It typically begins in the age group of 17-25 years, though it can affect other age groups. The treatment gap for mental disorders, including bipolar disorder, is high, with 70% of patients not taking treatment at all.
Staff Reporter
