Course of bipolar I and II with and without alcohol dependence in this sample is remarkably similar when only baseline analysis is considered. In the prospective analysis, however, bipolar I subjects with comorbid alcohol dependence had a worse course of bipolar disorder. However, no worse characteristics of alcohol dependence were found when compared to bipolar II subjects with comorbid alcohol dependence. This group of comorbid individuals had more suicidal behavior, manic episodes, drug-related problems and affective symptoms during the follow-up period as well as deterioration in social functioning. Compared to group 4 individuals, significant improvements in most of these characteristics were found for all bipolar II subjects with and without alcohol dependence and in bipolar I subjects without alcohol dependence (group 3).
