Characterizing Female Bipolar Alcoholic Patients Presenting for Initial Evaluation

This study examined gender differences of an age & race-matched group of bipolar disorder (BPO) patients with comorbid alcohol dependence (AD) to a group of BPO patients without comorbid AD. The results revealed that female bipolar alcoholic patients were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Female bipolar alcoholics differed from female non-alcoholic bipolar patients on reports or mood lability, depressed mood, low self-esteem, suicidal indicators, decreased libido, & general anxiety symptoms. Implications are discussed. (20 refs)