Predominant polarity in bipolar disorder (BD) refers to the dominance of either depressive or manic episodes in an individual’s illness history. Depressive predominant polarity is typically defined as having at least two-thirds of lifetime episodes being depressive, whereas manic predominant polarity refers to at least two-thirds of prior episodes being (hypo)manic episodes. Studies show that predominant polarity has prognostic value and clinical and therapeutic implications. Clinical correlates of depressive predominant polarity include greater delayed diagnosis, depressive index episode, bipolar disorder type II, higher rates of suicidal acts, and shorter duration of euthymia. Clinical correlates of manic predominant polarity include earlier illness onset, manic/psychotic index episode, greater prevalence of comorbid substance abuse, and longer duration of euthymia.1,2 The polarity index classifies pharmacological treatments as those with an antimanic prophylactic effect and those with an antidepressant prophylactic effect. For further information on this topic, please go to Vieta et al. 2018.3

file_download Download in HQ

Related content

image Image
The functional impact of bipolar disorder progression

People with BD can experience residual symptoms that impact on functioning and QoL – these symptoms can benefit from an integrated approach to treatment

03.09.2024 Bipolar Disorder
image Image Patients with bipolar disorder and comorbidities are typically more complex cases than patients with bipolar disorder without medical or psychiatric comorbidities
Principles of treating patients with bipolar disorder and comorbidities

Patients with bipolar disorder and comorbidities are typically more complex cases than those without medical or psychiatric comorbidities

03.09.2024 Bipolar Disorder
image Image Bipolar disorder (BD) includes several disorders of emotion, thought, and energy, characterized by biphasic mood episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.
Differentiating the course of bipolar I and bipolar II disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) includes several disorders of emotion, thought, and energy, characterized by biphasic mood episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.

03.09.2024 Bipolar Disorder