Assesment of suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder

Aim: In this study, we have intvestigated the interactions between suicidal behavior and social, demographic features, impulsivity and the history of childhood abuse in the patients with diagnosis of bipolar disorder who are being monitored regularly in the Bipolar Disease Department of Cukurova University Pscychiatry Department.Material and method: We have accepted 91 patients to our study who were chosen randomized and were monitored in the Bipolar Disease Department with diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The data of study were collected by `Mood disordes patient register form? this form was developed by us, SCID-1, SCID-2, Young Mania Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Suicidal Behavior Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnarie, Barratt Impulsivity Scale. The scales were completed after interviewing with the patient and their relatives and outpatient clinic?s records.Results: 52 of 91 patients were female and 39 were male. 40 of 91 patients have had the history of suicidal attempt. In the suicidal attempter group we have founded that depressive and mixed episodes were more common in the course of disease, the functionality of patient were impaired partially between episodes and the more disruptive episodes with psychotic features were more frequent. Additionally we could not find any statistical difference between the attempter and nonattempter groups.Conclusion: Bipolar disorder is a life long disease and impairs the functionality. Bipolar disorder is highly associated with suicidal attempts and completed suicides. So investigating the social, demographic, clinical varieties and the probable risk factors in the attempter and nonattempter groups will be helpful at preventing the suicidal behavior.Key Words: Bipolar disorder, suicide, impulsivity, childhood