The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Treatment Outcome Network II. Demographics and Illness Characteristics of the First 261 Patients

The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network (SFBN) has recruited a large cohort of patients with bipolar disorder to begin longitudinal & controlled studies of bipolar illness. This report describes the demographics & course of illness characteristics of this study population. The majority of patients had been hospitalized, with almost half reporting a worsening illness over time, & 2/3 were not asymptomatic between episodes. First treatment for patients had been delayed by an average of 10 years from illness onset. Almost 1/3 of patients had attempted suicide at least once, & 30% reported current suicidal ideation at study entry. 62% reported moderate to severe impact of the illness on occupational functioning. Early onset bipolar illness (<17 yrs old) was associated with increased frequency of mood switches, worsening course of illness, & history of early abuse. (55 refs)