Chronic unipolar mania. A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Bipolar disorder is a phasic mental disorder characterized by the presence of (hypo) maniac, depressive and/or mixed episodes during the course of the disease.

Clinical case. A middle-age man, with no prior history of depressive episodes, began to suffer a picture of manic characteristics as an adolescent that has lasted for 18 years. Despite the numerous drug treatments prescribed, there has been no improvement, and the disorder has followed a torpid and chronic course.

Conclusions. Chronic unipolar mania is a clinical entity appearing as a residual characteristic in the current psychiatric nosology. Its low prevalence makes it difficult to carry out research aimed at elucidating whether it has a subordinate or independent relationship with the bipolar disorder. A systematic assessment of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy is needed in these patients.