Overview
The HPS-6 (Hypomanic Personality Scale, 6 item version) could prove to be a valuable candidate for screening measures of high risk individuals. In the following study, we aim to validate and adapt the HPS-6 for the Romanian population.
Description
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, debilitating disorder, affecting approximately 2.4% of the global population. Inaccurate diagnosis leads to inappropriate management of the disorder as well as unsuitable medication prescription. On average, it can take a BD individual 5 to 10 years to receive an accurate diagnosis and receive competent treatment. Across the European Union (EU) Romania has the lowest prevalence of psychiatric disorders, 14.3%. Unfortunately, these positive estimates are related to the severe stigma linked to poor mental health in the Romanian population. Although the average length of a psychiatric stay in the EU spans across 24.3 days, Romania's average is 17.7. Poor infrastructure and lack of personnel in the Romanian healthcare system might be partially responsible. Therefore, brief, validated screening measures for complex diagnoses are necessary.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-50 years of age
- Not at high risk of suicide (current)
- Not high SUDs / AUDs (current)
- Native Romanian speaker
- Cognitive abilities intact (reading comprehension of items)
Exclusion Criteria:
- High risk of suicide (current)
- High SUDs / AUDs (current)
