A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has unveiled a significant disparity in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder among multiracial women who gave birth in California. Analyzing data from over 3.8 million women, the study found that multiracial women were disproportionately more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder compared to their single-race counterparts.
The research, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, revealed that while multiracial women made up approximately 3.6% of the study sample, they accounted for an alarming 9.7% of the bipolar disorder diagnoses. This stark contrast highlights a critical gap in understanding and addressing mental health issues among diverse populations.
Detailed Findings and Demographic Insights
The study, led by Dr. Mercy Eigbike, a psychiatrist at Carle Foundation Hospital, delved into the nuances of bipolar disorder prevalence among different racial groups. The research team discovered that women identifying as biracial Black/white, American Indian/Alaska Native/white, or Black/American Indian/Alaska Native had higher odds of a bipolar diagnosis compared to single-race white women.
“Further examination of the multiracial group revealed higher odds of having a bipolar disorder diagnosis among women who reported that they were biracial Black/white, and those who were American Indian/Alaska Native/white descent or of Black/American Indian/Alaska Native heritage compared with single-race white women,” said Dr. Mercy Eigbike.
The study’s sample included women who had singleton live births between 2011 and 2019, utilizing a linked dataset of hospital discharge records and birth certificates to extract clinical and demographic information. Bipolar disorder cases were identified through specific diagnosis codes, with the remainder of the women serving as a control group.
Understanding the Underlying Causes
Dr. Eigbike suggested several potential explanations for the higher incidence of bipolar disorder among multiracial women. These include limited access to quality healthcare, adverse social determinants such as socioeconomic status and education, and systemic racism. The study also noted that women of biracial American Indian/Alaska Native heritage are known to have an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, possibly due to multigenerational trauma and stress exposure.
“It is known that people of biracial American Indian/Alaska Native heritage have increased prevalence of general psychiatric disorders,” Eigbike said. “It may be related to multigenerational trauma and differences in exposure to stress in this population.”
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to document the patterns and characteristics of serious mental conditions during the perinatal period, especially among underrepresented groups.
Implications for Mental Health Screening
The study highlights a critical need to enhance mental health screening protocols for perinatal women. Current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend screening for anxiety and depression, but these may not adequately capture bipolar disorder symptoms. Dr. Eigbike stressed the importance of expanding screening to include bipolar disorder to better address the mental health needs of perinatal women.
“The screeners that are used for perinatal depression are not able to pick up bipolar disorder, so it’s very important to screen for it as well,” Eigbike said. “Some patients who present with depression may actually be in the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.”
The research team advocates for developing culturally responsive screening approaches that cater to the needs of multiracial women, ensuring comprehensive mental health care during the perinatal period.
Broader Context and Future Directions
This study is part of a growing body of research highlighting the mental health challenges faced by multiracial individuals. Co-author Karen M. Tabb, a social work professor, noted that previous studies have shown an increased burden of perinatal mental health problems among multiracial people, but lacked in-depth contextual analysis.
“Several studies have come out over the past year – and I have several under review – that show increased burden of perinatal mental health problems among multiracial people,” Tabb said. “What is very interesting about this paper is that we opened up the multiracial category and started looking within the subgroups.”
The study’s findings underscore the importance of considering racial and ethnic diversity in mental health research and practice. The researchers call for continued exploration of mental health disparities and the development of targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
In addition to the University of Illinois, the research team included experts from the University of California San Diego, University of California San Francisco, University of Iowa, UMass Chan Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, University of Toronto, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Indiana University.
