Revisiting the association between endometriosis and bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the association between endometriosis and bipolar disorder. METHODS: Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, the prevalence of bipolar disorder was compared in 27 patients with endometriosis and 12 women with pelvic pain not related to endometriosis who were seen at a specialty gynaecology clinic for women with chronic pelvic pain. RESULTS: A significantly greater proportion of women in the endometriosis group were found to have bipolar disorder and a poorer quality of life than women with pelvic pain not related to endometriosis. CONCLUSION: There may be an association between endometriosis and bipolar disorder. An optimal approach to managing endometriosis should include evaluation and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity, particularly bipolar disorder.