PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Kathryn Wilkins

Publications and source records attributed to Kathryn Wilkins.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

The prevalence and impact of migraine headache in bipolar disorder: results from the Canadian Community Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the prevalence of comorbid migraine in bipolar disorder and the implications for bipolar age of onset, psychiatric comorbidity, illness course, functional outcome, and medical service utilization. BACKGROUND: Migraine comorbidity is differentially reported in bipolar versus unipolar depressed clinical samples. The bipolar disorder-migraine association and its consequences have been infrequently reported in epidemiological studies. METHODS: Data for this analysis were derived from respondents (n = 36 984) to the Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS). Respondents reporting a lifetime WHO-CIDI-defined manic episode and physician-diagnosed migraine (lifetime) were compared to respondents without migraine on sociodemography, course of illness, and medical service utilization indices. RESULTS: An estimated 2.4% of the sample met criteria for bipolar disorder. Persons with bipolar disorder had a relatively higher prevalence of migraine versus the general population (24.8% vs. 10.3%; P < .05). The sex-specific prevalence of comorbid migraine in bipolar disorder was 14.9% for males and 34.7% for females. Bipolar males with comorbid migraine were more likely to live in a low income household (P < .05); receive welfare and social assistance (P < .05); report an earlier age of onset of bipolar disorder (P < .05); and have a higher lifetime prevalence of comorbid anxiety disorders (P < .05). Bipolar males with comorbid migraine were also more likely to utilize primary (P < .05) and mental health care services (P < .05) . Bipolar females with comorbid migraine had more comorbid medical disorders (P < .05) and were more likely to require help with personal or instrumental activities of daily living when compared to bipolar females without migraine. CONCLUSION: Bipolar disorder with comorbid migraine is prevalent and associated with greater dysfunction and medical service utilization, notable in males. Opportunistic screening and surveillance for bipolar and comorbid migraine is warranted.

Adolescent↗

Medical comorbidity in bipolar disorder: implications for functional outcomes and health service utilization.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first cross-national population-based investigation exploring the prevalence and functional implications of comorbid general medical disorders in bipolar disorder. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 36,984). Analyses were conducted to ascertain the prevalence and prognostic implications of predetermined comorbid general medical disorders among persons who screened positive for a lifetime manic episode (indicative of a diagnosis of bipolar disorder). Within the subpopulation of people who screened positive for a manic episode, the effect of medical comorbidity on employment, functional role, psychiatric care, and medication use was examined. RESULTS: When the data were weighted to be representative of the household population of the ten provinces in 2002, an estimated 2.4 percent of respondents screened positive for a lifetime manic episode. Rates of chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, asthma, chronic bronchitis, multiple chemical sensitivities, hypertension, and gastric ulcer were significantly higher in the bipolar disorder group (all p < .05). Chronic medical disorders were associated with a more severe course of bipolar disorder, increased household and work maladjustment, receipt of disability payments, reduced employment, and more frequent medical service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid medical disorders in bipolar disorder are associated with several indices of harmful dysfunction, decrements in functional outcomes, and increased utilization of medical services.

Adolescent↗

Obesity in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder: results from a national community health survey on mental health and well-being.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of obesity in individuals with a mood disorder (MD) (that is, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder), compared with the general population. We further aimed to examine the likelihood of an association between obesity and MD, while controlling for the influence of sociodemographic variables. METHOD: The analysis was based on data from Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2), conducted in 2002. The sample (n = 36 984; > or = aged 15 years) was drawn from the Canadian household-dwelling population. The CCHS used diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-IV to screen respondents. RESULTS: Individuals with a lifetime history of MD were more likely to be obese (body mass index [BMI] > 30) than were individuals without lifetime MD (19%, compared with 15%, respectively; P < 0.001). In sex-specific multivariate analysis, lifetime MD was associated with elevated odds of obesity in female respondents (95%CI, 1.03 to 1.46, odds ratio 1.22), but not in male respondents. Antipsychotic pharmacotherapy was also associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Canadian epidemiologic investigation to specifically evaluate anthropometric indices and associated factors in people with MDs. The results herein supplement substantial clinical evidence documenting the association between MDs and stress-sensitive somatic disorders (for example, obesity). These data also underscore the metabolic consequences of some psychotropic agents.

Adolescent↗

Predictors of death in seniors.

OBJECTIVES: This article updates information on the leading causes of death for people aged 65 or older, and examines factors associated with death in seniors over an eight-year period. The analysis focuses on psychosocial factors--psychological distress, financial and family stress--in relation to mortality. DATA SOURCES: Data are from the Canadian Mortality Database and the 1994/95 to 2002/03 National Population Health Survey (NPHS), longitudinal file. The NPHS sample analysed contains records for 955 men and 1,445 women. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Death certificate information for 2002 and Census population estimates were used to calculate death rates and rank causes of death. NPHS data were cross-tabulated to examine selected characteristics reported in 1994/95 in relation to vital status (dead or alive) by 2002/03. Cox regression was used to calculate hazards ratios for psychological distress, financial and family-related stress in relation to subsequent mortality, while controlling for the effects of age, chronic diseases, and other potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS: In senior women, psychological distress in 1994/95 was positively associated with mortality over the next eight years, even when controlling for the effects of other variables. The statistical significance of this relationship in senior men disappeared when controlling for chronic conditions.

Aged↗

Body mass and dependency.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) category and dependency in men and women aged 45 or older is examined cross-sectionally and prospectively. DATA SOURCES: Data are from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 1994/95 through 2002/03 National Population Health Survey, household populations. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Cross-sectional data were used to produce weighted frequencies, cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of dependency and its relationship to BMI category. Associations between BMI and dependency two years later were also explored. Models were adjusted for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of dependency was nearly the same among those who were underweight as among those in obese class III--the highest level of obesity. Even when the effects of potential confounders were controlled, underweight and obese people faced higher odds of coexisting dependency, compared with those in the normal BMI range. Obesity was also predictive of subsequent dependency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Incident arthritis in relation to excess weight.

OBJECTIVES: This article reports incidence rates of arthritis, based on data for people aged 40 or older who were followed over six years. The association between excess weight and arthritis, controlled for possible confounders, is also studied. DATA SOURCES: Data are from the household components of cycle 1.1 of Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey (2000/01) and from the first four cycles of the National Population Health Survey (1994/95 to 2000/01). ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: The prevalence of arthritis in 2000/01 was estimated using cross-sectional data; 1994/95-to-2000/01 incidence density is based on longitudinal data. Logistic regression was used to study the association between excess weight and arthritis (respondent-reported, doctor-diagnosed), while controlling for age, household income, smoking, number of physician consultations, strenuous daily activity, and other factors. MAIN RESULTS: In 2000/01, 19% of men and 31% of women aged 40 or older reported having been diagnosed with arthritis. Incidence rates of arthritis were 31 and 48 cases per 1,000 person-years for men and women, respectively. For both sexes, the odds ratio for obesity (based on self-reported height and weight) in association with subsequent arthritis was significantly elevated, at 1.6.

Adult↗

Injuries.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

Bipolar I disorder, social support and work.

OBJECTIVES: This article reports the estimated lifetime prevalence of bipolar I disorder in the household population and describes characteristics of people of working age (25 to 64) affected by this disorder. The relationship between social support and employment status is examined in people with the disorder. DATA SOURCE: Data are from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Weighted frequencies and cross-tabulations were used to estimate the prevalence of bipolar I disorder. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine four dimensions of social support in relation to having a job, in people with bipolar I disorder. MAIN RESULTS: An estimated 444,000 (2.6%) people aged 25 to 64 had lifetime bipolar I disorder. Alcohol dependence, asthma, migraine, obesity and panic disorder were far more prevalent among these people, compared with the general population. People with bipolar I disorder who reported readily accessible tangible support had higher odds of being employed, compared with those with less available tangible support.

Adolescent↗

Social support and mortality in seniors.

OBJECTIVES: This article investigates the effect of social support on mortality among Canadian seniors. DATA SOURCE: The analysis is based on longitudinal household data from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) for 2,422 people aged 65 or older in 1994/95. Vital status and date of death were established using data collected in 2000/01. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Multivariate proportional hazards models were used to study associations between four indicators of social support (marital status; social contacts; participation in organizations; and perceived emotional support) in 1994/95 and death by 2000/01. Separate analyses were performed for men and women. MAIN RESULTS: When the influence of age, socio-economic status, stress, health-related behaviours and physical/mental health status was taken into account, no association between social support and mortality emerged for women, but such a relationship was evident for men. Married men had a 40% lower hazard of death, compared with their non-married counterparts. Participation in organizations also conferred a reduced likelihood of dying for men.

Aged↗

Moderate alcohol consumption and heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines patterns of alcohol consumption in relation to a subsequent new diagnosis of or death from heart disease. DATA SOURCES: The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the first three cycles of the National Population Health Survey (NPHS), conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99. The data are from a sample of 3,379 women and 2,635 men from the household population, who, in 1994/95, were aged 40 or older and reported that they had not been diagnosed with heart disease. Cause of death was established with information from the Canadian Mortality Database. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Descriptive data were produced using bivariate frequencies. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between level of alcohol consumption reported in 1994/95 and a subsequent diagnosis of or death from heart disease. MAIN RESULTS: Women reporting moderate alcohol consumption--two to nine drinks in the past week--had significantly lower odds of receiving a new diagnosis of or dying from heart disease between 1994/95 and 1998/99, compared with women who reported lifetime abstinence. No association between alcohol consumption and subsequent heart disease emerged for men.

Adult↗