Trends in Bipolar Affective Disorder-Related Mortality in the United States, 1999-2023: A CDC WONDER Database Analysis

Background Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a class of mood disorders that poses a significant diagnostic challenge for clinicians. With its unknown etiology and the increasing disability burden it contributes to, BPAD necessitates further study to improve patient outcomes. Our study aimed to characterize the demographic trends in BPAD-related mortality using the CDC WONDER database. Methods The CDC WONDER database was utilized to collect data on the mortality burden from 1999–2023. Data was stratified by race, sex, age, rural or urban designation, and census region. Data analysis was performed using Joinpoint analysis to help determine trends as well as statistical significance. Results Our study found that the overall mortality rate from BPAD increased throughout the study period and mortality increased with age. Additionally, the study found statistically significant increases in age adjusted mortality rate when analyzed in groups. Not only was mortality rate determined to be higher amongst females than their male counterparts, variation by race also persisted, with mortality being highest among the Non-Hispanic White cohort. Mortality burden varied by region, with higher mortality rates in rural areas than in urban areas and in the Midwest United States, compared to other census regions. Conclusions Our study expands on prior research related to trends in mortality of BPAD and aims to highlight the disproportionate mortality burdens related to BPAD as a potential guide towards future management strategies. Further studies related to how the increased utilization of mental health resources, including telehealth, and focus on earlier treatment initiation can be useful to guide mental health practices in the future.