Hospital Discharge Rate for Bipolar Affective Disorder in Chile (2020–2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by significant mood disturbances ranging from episodes of mania to depression. Objective: To determine the hospital discharge rate for bipolar affective disorder with manic episodes, with and without psychotic symptoms, between 2020 and 2023 in Chile. Methodology: Observational, descriptive study. Data were obtained from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics. Results: The highest hospital discharge rate (HDR) was recorded in 2023, with a value of 3.88 per 100,000 inhabitants. Women reported the highest number of cases, with 4.28 per 100,000 inhabitants. The 20–44 age group had the highest HDR, with 5.72 per 100,000 inhabitants. BAD with psychotic symptoms was the most frequent condition (62.2%). Discussion: The increase in HDR after the pandemic may be associated with the reconversion of hospital beds, resulting in greater availability for mental health care. Females had the highest HDR, consistent with the literature, possibly due to biopsychosocial factors leading to more severe clinical presentations. The 20–44 age group across both sexes concentrated the majority of cases, which may be due to social factors causing greater psychological burden. Conclusion: Mental disorders are increasingly prevalent in society, and various stressors present in modern life may act as triggers, as is the case in BAD. We recommend conducting studies with a greater number of variables to enable more efficient public health decision-making.