Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified: Comparison with bipolar disorder I/II and major depression

Objective: To compare the personality, clinical and comorbidity characteristics of subjects 19 meeting diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BDNOS) to those with major depression and bipolar I or II disorder. Methods: A family-based study was undertaken on the molecular genetics of depression and personality, in which the proband had been treated for depression, regardless of history, of hypomania or mania. Results: The 25 subjects with BDNOS were different to the 297 subjects with major depression and similar to 75 subjects with bipolar I or II disorder on social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance dependence comorbidity. The BDNOS subjects also had personality traits more akin to the bipolar I or II disorder subjects, especially borderline personality traits and self transcendence. Conclusions: Subjects with BDNOS, based on a history of 1-3 day recurrent hypomanias, should be included within a broader bipolar spectrum.