Abstract

The main goal was the answer to a question about differences in the quality of life between patients with recurrent and bipolar affective dis order in different sta ges of treatment (beginnig of hospitalization, end of treatment in hospital, and 3 months later). The second aim was to explore the dynamics of changes in the quality of life in both groups in association with the intensity of depressive symptoms.

Material and method: The study included 104 patients with recurrent and bipolar affective disorder (in the second phase 60, and in the third 40) from Academic Clinical Centre.

To measure the intensity of depressive symptoms subjective Beck Depression Inventory and objective Hamilton Rating Scale were used. To measure the quality of life Quality of Life in Depression Scale (S.Hunt and S. McKenna) was used.

Results: The quality of life in both grups of patients changes and significantly improves with the time of treatment. There is a difference between starting and finishing hospitalization, and there is no difference between finishing hospitalization and 3 months later in both groups of patients. There is no difference in the quality of life and depression between two grups at the beginnig of hospitalization. The quality of life and intensity of depressive symptoms improve quicker in a group of patients with bipolar disorder.

Conclusions: Hospitalization (medical treatment and psychotherapy) influnces the intensity of depressive disorders and improves the quality of life in both groups of patients.

There are some differences between patients with recurrent and bipolar disorder – the quality of life improves quicker and more significantly in a group of patients with bipolar disorders.

Adres: dr n.med. Agata Zdun-Ryżewska
Zakład Badań nad Jakością Życia Katedry Psychologii GUMed
ul. Tuwima 15, 80-210 Gdańsk
e-mail: azdun@gumed.edu.pl