Essential Data Dimensions for prospective international data collection in Older Age Bipolar Disorder (OABD): Recommendations from the GAGE-BD group

Paola Lavin, Soham Rej, Andrew T Olagunju, Antonio L Teixeira, Annemieke Dols, Martin Alda, Osvaldo P Almeida, Kursat Altinbas, Vicent Balanzá-Martínez, Izabela G Barbosa, Hilary P Blumberg, Farren Briggs, Cynthia Calkin, Kristin Cassidy, Brent P Forester, Orestes V Forlenza, Tomas Hajek, Barthomeus C M Haarman, Esther Jimenez, Beny LaferBenoit Mulsant, Stephen O Oluwaniyi, Regan Patrick, Joaquim Radua, Sigfried Schouws, Harmehr Sekhon, Christian Simhandl, Jair C Soares, Shang-Ying Tsai, Eduard Vieta, Luca M Villa, Martha Sajatovic, Lisa T Eyler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: By 2030, over 50% of individuals living with bipolar disorder (BD) are expected to be aged ≥ 50 years. However, older age bipolar disorder (OABD) remains understudied. There are limited large-scale prospectively collected data organized in key dimensions capable of addressing several fundamental questions about BD affecting this subgroup of patients.

METHODS: We developed initial recommendations for the essential dimensions for OABD data collection, based on 1) a systematic review of measures used in OABD studies, 2) a Delphi consensus of international OABD experts, 3) experience with harmonizing OABD data in the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE-BD, n≥4,500 participants), and 4) critical feedback from 34 global experts in geriatric mental health.

RESULTS: We identified 15 key dimensions and variables within each that are relevant for the investigation of OABD: 1) demographics, 2) core symptoms of depression and 3) mania, 4) cognition screening and subjective cognitive function, 5) elements for BD diagnosis, 6) descriptors of course of illness, 7) treatment, 8) suicidality , 9) current medication , 10) psychiatric comorbidity, 11) psychotic symptoms, 12) general medical comorbidities, 13) functioning , 14) family history, and 15) other. We also recommend particular instruments for capturing some of the dimensions and variables.

CONCLUSION: The essential data dimensions we present should be of use to guide future international data collection in OABD and clinical practice. In the longer-term, we aim to establish a prospective consortium using this core set of dimensions and associated variables to answer research questions relevant to OABD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)554-563
Number of pages10
JournalBipolar Disorders
Volume25
Issue number7
Early online date26 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • international collaboration
  • older age bipolar disorder
  • prospective studies

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