Abstract
A Systematic Review of the Evidence of the Burden of Bipolar Disorder in Europe
Fajutrao L~~Locklear J~~et al
A systematic review of publications from the last 10 years relating to the burden of bipolar disorder in Europe was conducted. Attempted suicide rates varied between 21%-54%. In the United Kingdom, the estimated rate of premature mortality of patients with bipolar I disorder was 18%. In the United Kingdom, the annual costs of unemployment & suicide were 1510 million pounds & 179 million pounds, respectively, at 1999/2000 prices. Bipolar disorder is a major & underestimated health problem in Europe. Indirect costs are a major contributor to the overall economic burden but are not always recognized in research studies. (58 refs.)