@article{ref1,
title="The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network: results of the naturalistic follow-up study after 2.5 years of follow-up in the German centres",
journal="Neuropsychobiology",
year="2002",
author="Dittmann, S. and Biedermann, N. C. and Grunze, H. and Hummel, B. and Schärer, L. O. and Kleindienst, N. and Forsthoff, A. and Matzner, N. and Walser, S. and Walden, J.",
volume="46 Suppl 1",
number="",
pages="2-9",
abstract="The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network (SFBN) is an international, multisite network investigating the characteristics and course of bipolar disorder. <br><br>METHODS (history, ratings and longitudinal follow-up) are standardized and equally applied in all 7 centres. This article describes demographics and illness characteristics of the first 152 German patients enrolled in the SFBN as well as the results of 2.5 years of follow-up. Patients in Germany were usually enrolled after hospitalisation. More than 72% of the study population suffered from bipolar I disorder and 25% from bipolar II disorder. The mean +/- SD age of the study participants was 42.08 +/- 13.5 years, and the mean +/- SD age of onset 24.44 +/- 10.9 years. More than 40% of the sample reported a rapid-cycling course in history, and even more a cycle acceleration over time. 37% attempted suicide at least once. 36% had an additional Axis I disorder, with alcohol abuse being the most common one, followed by anxiety disorders. During the follow-up period, only 27% remained stable, 56% had a recurrence, 12.8% perceived subsyndromal symptoms despite treatment and regular visits. 27% suffered from a rapid-cycling course during the follow-up period. Recurrences were significantly associated with bipolar I disorder, an additional comorbid Axis I disorder, rapid cycling in history, a higher number of mood stabilizers and the long-term use of typical antipsychotics. Rapid cycling during follow-up was only associated with a rapid-cycling course in history, a higher number of mood stabilizers and at least one suicide attempt in history.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0302-282X",
doi="10.1159/000068018",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000068018"
}