Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Unipolar Mania: A Comparison with Bipolar Mania

Abstract

Background: Unipolar mania, a relatively under-researched condition, refers to the occurrence of manic episodes without the history of depressive episodes typical of bipolar disorder. The distinction between unipolar mania and bipolar mania remains a significant challenge in psychiatric diagnosis, particularly because of overlapping symptomatology.

Aim: This study aims to compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of unipolar mania with those of bipolar mania.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted with patients diagnosed with unipolar mania (n=50) and bipolar mania (n=50) based on DSM-IV criteria. Data were collected on clinical features, including age of onset, symptom severity, comorbidities, and treatment response.

Results: Unipolar mania was found to have a slightly earlier age of onset compared to bipolar mania (mean 21.3 years vs. 23.7 years). The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders, was lower in unipolar mania. Additionally, patients with unipolar mania had a higher rate of substance abuse compared to bipolar mania patients.

Conclusion: Although unipolar mania and bipolar mania share several clinical features, differences in age of onset, comorbidities, and treatment response suggest the need for further research to clarify their distinctions and optimize treatment strategies.

Keywords: Unipolar mania, bipolar mania, prevalence, clinical characteristics, psychiatric disorders, comorbidity.