Bipolar Disorder

           Bipolar disorder is a well-known mental disorder, where the individual oscillates between manic and depressive states. Many mental health issues, besides just bipolar disorder are known to impact the lives of the affected individuals. In a study conducted by researchers based mainly at the University of Michigan Medical School, titled “The double burden of age and disease on cognition and quality of life in bipolar disorder.” They discovered a strong correlation between age and disease with regards to cognitive functioning. Specifically, three domains of cognitive functioning were affected in the BPD patients that were older in age: emotion processing, processing speed, and executive functioning skills.  The researchers also found that regardless of age, all participants rated having a low health-related quality of life in their psychosocial sphere. The results of these findings indicated that an interventional study in how to improve health-related quality of life would prove beneficial for the BPD patients.

It would also greatly improve outcomes and quality of life of patients if symptoms of bipolar disorder could be detected earlier rather than later. Related to the study on age and disease correlation, a study conducted by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, titled “Clues to early detection of bipolar disorder in high-risk children,” found a strong correlation between manic episodes and the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, specifically for children of parents who already have BPD. Children who were considered high-risk were identified as having occasional mood episodes or other psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD. The results of this study could improve childhood assessment and treatment for these high-risk children, as well as allow for the implication of preventative measures.

Both of these studies were comparable in seeking results for how to best treat individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They both focused on drawing attention to risk factors for both children and elderly patients; once those risk factors are identified, it can be better addressed through treatment or be prevented completely in younger individuals, so that the quality of life is no longer affected in these BPD patients.

References:

Weisenbach, S. L., Marshall, D., Weldon, A. L., Ryan, K. A., Vederman, A. C., Kamali, M., Zubieta, J., McInnis, M. G., Langenecker, S. A. (2014). The double burden of age and disease on cognition and quality of life in bipolar disorder. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 29, 952-961.

Axelson, D., Goldstein, B., Goldstein, T., Monk, K., Yu., H., Hickey, M.B., Sakolsky, D., Diler, R., Hafeman, D., Merranko, J., Iyengar, S., Brent, D., Kupfer, D., Birmaher, B. Diagnostic precursors to bipolar disorder in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: a longitudinal study. American Journal of Psychiatry. March 2015. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150303074712.htm