Evaluation of the functionality and subjective well-being of bipolar patients with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and the World Health Organisation - Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5)

Abstract

Introduction: Bipolar Disorders (BD) are a mood disorders group charactered by recurrent manic or hypomanic episodes, alternating with depressive episodes. Its prevalence is 4%, and several studies have shown that they generate disability. There are effective therapeutic options for acute episodes. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve functional recovery and adequate well-being. Material and methods: There was done in Buenos Aires, Argentina a cross-sectional study comparing psychosocial functioning, with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and subjective well-being with the Five Well-Being Index (WHO- ), among a sample of stabilized BD patients undergoing treatment at the Center of Medical Education and Clinical Research (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) and the Bipolar Foundation (Fundación Bipolares
de Argentina), with a control group. Results: A total of 102 BD patients and 52 controls where included. The FAST mean for patients and controls was 20.71 and 9.73 respectively (P=0.0000). The WHO-5 mean for patients was 59.11 and 69.76 for controls (P=0.0011). More than 70% of the patients presented functional alteration (FAST ≥12), and almost 35% presented inadequate subjective well-being (WHO-5 ≤52). Depressive symptoms conditioned worse scores on both scales. FAST scores were better among those who participated in mutual aid groups (P=0.026). While patients who underwent psychoeducation and those who received anticonvulsant drugs, presented better WHO scores (P = 0.028 and P=0.048 respectively). Conclusions: Patients with BD showed poor Functionality and poor Well- being despite being stabilized. There is direct relationship between both conditions. Depressive symptoms generated worst scores on the scales.