A large review of 285 studies has found that psychotic symptoms are common in people with bipolar disorder. The analysis shows that about 47% of patients experience mood-incongruent psychosis, meaning their delusions or hallucinations do not match their mood state. Delusions were more common than hallucinations or thought disorders.
The review also found that 8% of people with bipolar disorder also meet criteria for schizophrenia, suggesting some overlap between the two conditions. This comorbidity may affect treatment and outcomes.
The study did not report on safety or side effects, as it focused on prevalence rates. The findings are based on a meta-analysis of existing research, which can have limitations such as differences in how studies define psychosis.
For patients and families, this review highlights that psychotic symptoms are a significant part of bipolar disorder for many people. It underscores the importance of monitoring for these symptoms and considering them in treatment plans. However, the review does not provide new treatment recommendations.
