OBJECTIVE: Summarize data on metabolic syndrome (MS) in bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases, using the keywords "metabolic syndrome", "insulin resistance" and "metabolic X syndrome" and cross-referencing them with "bipolar disorder" or "mania". The following types of publications were candidates for review: (i) clinical trials, (ii) studies involving patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder or (iii) data about metabolic syndrome. A 5-point quality scale was used to assess the methodological weight of the studies. RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles were selected. None of studies reached the maximum quality score of 5 points. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in BD individuals when compared to a control group. The analysis of MS subcomponents showed that abdominal obesity was heterogeneous. Individuals with BD had significantly higher rates of hypertriglyceridemia than healthy controls. When compared to the general population, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of low HDL-c in individuals with BD. Data on hypertension were also inconclusive. Rates of hyperglycemia were significantly greater in patients with BD compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results point to the presence of an association between BD and MS, as well as between their subcomponents.

CONTEXTO: Entre os instrumentos utilizados, em pesquisa e na prática clínica, para representar e detalhar o curso longitudinal do transtorno bipolar, o Life Chart tem sido o mais utilizado. Além de ser comprovadamente de fácil aplicação, possui fidedignidade em relatar o histórico clínico do paciente. OBJETIVO: Apresentar o Life Chart Retrospectivo em sua versão em português. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas tradução e retradução, revisão e avaliação de equivalência semântica, idiomática, experimental ou cultural e conceitual. RESULTADOS: Estão apresentados em forma de gráfico. CONCLUSÃO: A partir do desenvolvimento dessa versão do Life Chart para o português, os estudos realizados no Brasil podem fazer uso dos mesmos parâmetros de registro que os estudos internacionais.

BACKGROUND: A life chart is a widely used instrument both in research and clinical practice to document the longitudinal course of bipolar disorder, being easy to apply and accuratly reports the clinical history. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this paper is to present the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Retrospective Life Chart. METHODS: Translation and retrotranslation, review, and semantic, language, cultural and conceptual equivalence were done. RESULTS: Results are presented in graphic format. DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of Life Chart will allow that studies conducted in Brazil to use the same parameters that are used in international research.