Anxiety Disorders in 318 Bipolar Patients: Prevalence and Impact on Illness Severity and Response to Mood Stabilizer

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency & impact of anxiety disorders on illness severity & response to mood stabilizers in bipolar disorders. It was found that comorbidity with anxiety disorders was not correlated with severity of bipolar illness as assessed by the number of hopitalizations, psychotic characteristics, misuse of alcohol & drugs, & suicide attempts (violent & nonviolent). Further findings & their implications are discussed. (24 refs)