Transtorno bipolar e comorbidades clínicas

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with several general medical conditions, resulting in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are the most commonly associated with BD, and there is significant evidence of the deleterious effects of some medications on the etiology and course of medical comorbidities. Moreover, there is recent evidence that BD per se, as well as recurrent episodes of the illness, may be associated with a higher incidence of physicalillnesses. Evaluation of the bipolar patient should include knowledge of individual and familial risk factors, clinical examination, subsidiary tests as indicated to each case and close monitoring of medication side effects on the patient’s overall health.