Psychopathology in Relatives of Mexican Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Objectives Our study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk of psychopathology among the relatives of Mexican persons living with bipolar disorder. Background Numerous studies have shown a high prevalence of various psychological disorders among the relatives of individuals with bipolar disorder. However, there remains some uncertainty, especially concerning patients of Hispanic origin. Methods A cross-sectional study was done with 770 adult relatives (older than 18 years) of bipolar disorder individuals from Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico (as part of the “Genetics of Bipolar Disorder in Latino Populations”). All participants were diagnosed using the DIGS, FIGS, and medical/psychiatric records, using the best estimation of the diagnosis method and DSM-5 criteria. Results A high prevalence of several psychopathologies was found (65.2% n=502) among relatives of bipolar participants. Major Depressive Disorder accounted for 31.9% (n=246) with a higher prevalence in 2nd-degree relatives versus 1st-degree relatives (p=0.013) and in female participants (p=0.01), while bipolar disorder prevalence (21.1% n=163) was more common in first-degree relatives (p=<.001). Substance use disorders were found to be more common in men (p=<.001) and eating disorders in women (p=0.02) in this sample. Conclusions We found a high prevalence not only of bipolar disorder but also major depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders among the relatives of Mexican participants with bipolar disorder. Further extensive studies are needed to confirm our findings.