Prescription Pattern In Patients Of Bipolar Affective Disorder

Rameshwar S Manhas; Gaurav S Manhas; Angli Manhas; Jagdish R Thappa; Rukhsana Akhter

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Prescription Pattern In Patients Of Bipolar Affective Disorder

Rameshwar S Manhas, Gaurav S Manhas, Angli Manhas, Jagdish R Thappa, Rukhsana Akhter

Abstract :

Background: Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is one of the commonest psychiatric disorder which is characterized by repeated episodes in which the patient�s activity and mood levels are significantly disturbed. Mood stabilizers are the drugs which are primarily used to steady or balance the mood. Aims: To find out prescription pattern in patients of bipolar affective disorder. Materials & Methods: The present observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of Government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Jammu, involved 130 prescriptions of patients suffering from bipolar affective disorder. Data like age of patient, sex, number & name of mood stabilizers, other prescribed psychotropic drugs and combination of psychotropic medications were collected. Results: Maximum i.e. 36.9% patients were in the age group of 21 to 40 years followed by 23.1% below 20 years. There were 63.1 % males and 36.9% females. A single mood stabilizer was used in 71.5% patients whereas combination of mood stabilizers were used in 28.5% patients. About 40% patients received the combination of mood stabilizer, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Moreover antipsychotics were the most common comedications which were prescribed along with mood stabilizers to 68.5% patients followed by benzodiazepines in 59.2% patients. Conclusion: From present study, it has been concluded that combination of mood stabilizers along with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were preferred for better management of bipolar affective disorder patients. Hence use of polytherapy in cases of acute mania is recommended.