Presenting a new scoring system based on clinical and inflammatory factors to classify the severity of bipolar disorder

Abstract

Background Various clinical and laboratory factors are related to the severity of bipolar disorder, but there is no global agreement for the role of these factors.Methods Forty patients with the definitive diagnosis of bipolar disorder were included in this prospective study. The severity of the disease was measured by the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). using the SPSS software.Results Using multivariable logistic regression modelling, the main correlates for moderate to severe bipolar disease included baseline interleukin-6 level > 5.5 pg/ml (OR = 2.820, p = 0.001), disease duration >7.5 years (OR = 2.155, p = 0.003), and positive family history of bipolar disease (OR = 1.300, p = 0.036). Based on the weight of these three factors, a scoring system was designed for the severity of the disorder, which ranged from 3 to 9. A total risk score of less than 5, between 5 and 7, or higher than 7 was considered low or moderate and high.Conclusion The use of the presented new scoring system provides the possibility of classifying the severity of the disorder and, therefore, the possibility of better treatment and management of the illness.