Symptoms Profile and Psychopathological Correlates of (Hypo)Manic and Depressive Symptoms in Saudis With Bipolar Disorder

Although scientific knowledge about bipolar disorder (BD) is readily available and accumulating, there is still a particular need to inform this inquiry with evidence generated in understudied cultures. This study was set up to fulfill this need, focusing on two objectives: ascertaining the levels of hypo(manic) and depressive symptoms ( i.e. , symptom profile) in Saudis with BD and looking at the psychopathological correlates of bipolarity. These objectives were addressed using data from 87 individuals with BD (M age = 30.95, ±9.58 years) and 86 nonclinical persons (M age = 22.20, ±1.29 years). Racing thoughts was the most common hypo(manic) symptom, whereas depressed mood was the most depressive symptom reported. Somatization and hostility psychopathological dimensions appeared to constitute significant independent predictors of bipolarity, independent of depression and hypo(mania). Findings partially replicate previous ones, indicating a cross-cultural resemblance for BD.