Evaluation of mortality causes among patients with bipolar disorder in a specialized mood clinic

Objective: Despite the increase in new treatment options, bipolar disorder is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Researches in developed countries have shown that general medical causes and suicide play an important role in premature death of patients with bipolar disorder. In the current study, we aimed to assess the causes of death in patients with bipolar disorder in our country. Method: One thousand and three hundred patients with bipolar disorder who were followed up and treated at Rasit Tahsin Duygudurum Center were included in this study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 23 patients who lost their lives during 14 years were recorded with Mood Disorders Patient Registration Form (SKIP-TURK). The causes of death of the patients were obtained from hospital medical records and medical records obtained from their relatives. Results: Fifty six point five percent of the patiens who lost their lives were female and 43.4% of them were male. The mean life span of the patients was 51.1 +/- 12.5 years (min=27 max=68). The most common cause of death in patients was cardiovascular causes (34.7%). This was followed by respiratory system diseases (21.7%) and suicide (13.4%). Discussion: We have concluded that the causes of death in patients with bipolar disorder in our country are similar to those of previous studies in other societies. This article may guide the comprehensive studies that will be designed in the future to determine the causes of death in patients with bipolar disorder in our country.