Table 3 Descriptive statistics for the patients who relapsed (n = 676; i.e. subject-based) and for the relapse referrals (n = 1248; relapse-based)

Subject-based analyses (n = 676)

Age at first relapse % (n)

  ≤ 30 years old

11.4% (77)

 31–60 years

63.3% (428)

  ≥ 61 years old

25.3% (171)

Age at first relapse M (SD)

49.71 (15.48)

Number of relapses over 5 years

M (SD); Range

1.85 (1.77); 1–22

Time (days) between recorded BD diagnosis and first recorded relapse Mdn; Range

1840.50; 76–14,126

Time (days) spent in relapse over the 5-year period

M (SD)

24.59 (33.72)

Mood episode at first relapse episode % (n)

 (Hypo) Mania

45.1% (305)

 Depression

38.9% (263)

 Mixed

6.5% (44)

 Unclear^a

9.0%(61)

 Non-BD-Relapse^b

0.4% (3)

Relapse-based analyses (n = 1248)

Proportion of relapse referrals (n = 1248) by mood episode overall % (n)

 (Hypo)Mania

42.7% (533)

 Depression

42.% (524)

 Mixed

7.2% (90)

 Unclear^a

7.7% (96)

 Non-BD-Relapse^b

0.4% (5)

Proportion of relapse referrals (n = 1248) that involved reported

 Deliberate self-harm reported to be present % (n)

1.0% (13)

 Suicidal ideation reported to be present % (n)

11.6% (145)

 Suicide attempt reported to be present % (n)

6.1% (76)

 Self-harm/suicidal ideation/attempt reported to not be present

38.6% (482)

 Presence of self-harm/suicidal ideation/attempt unknown^c

42.6% (532)

Proportion of relapse referrals (n = 1248) where

 Psychotic symptoms reported to be present

13.3% (166)

 Psychotic symptoms reported not to be present

42.8% (534)

 Presence of psychotic symptoms unknown^c

43.9% (548)

Prescribed Medication at Time of each Relapse Referral (n = 1248)

 Antidepressants

31.0% (387)

 Antipsychotics

69.6% (869)

 Mood Stabilisers/Anticonvulsants

46.3% (578)