The Socio-demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Bipolar Disorder Attended the Emergency Unit in Tirana UHC - Albania.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics, clinical profile and treatment practices of all bipolar disorder patients admitted to our emergency unit.

Material and Methods: In 2016, data were obtained from emergency unit admissions in Tirana University Hospital Center (UHC) "Mother Teresa". This is a descriptive and quantitative study which socio-demographic data, reasons for attendance, therapy and drug use were analyzed.

Results: Psychiatric staff attended 140 patients over the study period. In our sample 52% were women and the mean age 41 years. The majority lived with their family (parents) and were coming from rural areas. The mix episode of bipolar disorder predominated with 48% of the sample and one in three patients had attempted suicide. Almost 40% of patient had never taken any medication and the majority of them had at list one addiction.  We found a considerable number of other organic co-morbidities such as: epilepsy 4%, cranial trauma 6%, diabetes 7%, hypertension 21% and hepatic diseases 14%. 

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance for mental health professionals working in emergency service to have information about the patients' profile and the main reasons that lead them to seek psychiatric care, and to establish a diagnosis that will allow proper management at the emergency service and case referral.