Correlation of Social Network Attributes with Individuals’ Score on Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale

• Main Authors: Amir Momeni Boroujeni, Nima Khalighinejad, Elham Yousefi, Elham Asadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran University of Medical Sciences 2012-09-01
• Series: Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
• Subjects: Bipolar Spectrum Disorders; Social Network; Bonacich Power; Centrality.
• Online Access: http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1-128&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Introduction: Bipolar Spectrum Disorders include a variety of mood disorders from bipolar II disorder to conditions characterized by hyperthymic mood states. It has been suggested that psychosocial factors also play an important role in bipolar disorders, in this study we have used social network analysis in order to better understand the social positions of those affected by bipolar spectrum disorders. Methods: In this cross sectional study 90 individuals within a bounded network were included and studied by using a standard questionnaire for bipolar spectrum disorder scale (BSDS) and a sociometric questionnaire for analyzing the social network of those individuals.Results: This study showed that BSDS score is signi.cantly correlated with the Bonacich power of the participants (P= 0.009) as well as with their Outdegree Strength (P= 0.013).Discussion: The results of this study show that there is interplay between social attributes and Bipolar Spectrum Disorders. This emphasizes the need for understanding the role of social networks and performing further research into quantifying social aspects of psychiatric disorders.