The relationship between fear of COVID-19 and affective symptoms of bipolar patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and affective symptoms of patients with bipolar disorder in Turkey. Another aim of the study is to reveal whether participants' fear of COVID-19 changes according to various socio-demographic characteristics. Material and Methods: In the study, data were collected from 100 people with bipolar disorder using a face-to-face survey method by a set of scales including the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The data collection process was carried out in October 2020 and January 2021. Results: The results of the study showed that 53% of the participants had a moderate level of fear of COVID-19, and 45% had a low level of fear. According to the results of the regression analysis, fear of COVID-19 explains 23.1% of the total variance in the mania state. In addition, female bipolar disorder patients were found to have a greater fear of COVID-19 than men. Discussion: As a result of this study, it was revealed that the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder patients reduced the fear of COVID-19. In this process, detailed scans and interventions for this diagnostic group will be important.