Eight-month functional outcome from mania following a first psychiatric hospitalization

The aim of this study was to identify how different areas of function (role performance, interpersonal relationships, sexual activity and recreational enjoyment) differentially recover from a manic episode during the 8 months following a first psychiatric hospitalization. Fifty patients with bipolar disorder, 16 45 years of age, who met the criteria for a current manic epi sode were recruited juring their first psychiatric hospitalization. Forty-t wo (84%) of these participated in follow-up. Patients were evaluated using structured and semi-structured clinical instruments and the four areas of f unctional outcome were assessed with the LIFE interview. Recovery of the fo ul areas of Function were compared using survival and correlational analyse s. Logistic regression identified factors associated with Functional outcom e. The four aspects of function were not significantly intercorrelated at b aseline or during follow-up. Moreover, the survival curves for the differen t areas of function significantly differed. Specifically, patients demonstr ated better recovery of sexual activity and worse recovery of recreational enjoyment than the other areas of function. Different clinical and demograp hic variables predicted recovery of the different areas of function. In con clusion, following a first manic episode, recovery of psychosocial function can be divided into separate components, i.e., role function, interpersona l relationships, sexual activity and recreational enjoyment, that appear to be relatively independent. Further clarification of recovery of these diff erent areas of function may lead to better integrated treatments that maxim ize functional improvement early in the course of bipolar disorder. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.