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Improving medical and psychiatric outcomes among individuals with bipolar disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Amy M Kilbourne1, Edward P Post, Agnes Nossek

  • 1Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center, Health Services Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. amykilbo@umich.edu

Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|July 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This pilot study suggests that a Bipolar Disorder Medical Care Model (BCM) may help slow the decline in physical health for individuals with bipolar disorder and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Cardiology
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently comorbid with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Individuals with BD often receive suboptimal medical care, leading to poor health outcomes.
  • A dedicated care model may improve health for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a Bipolar Disorder Medical Care Model (BCM).
  • To compare medical and psychiatric outcomes of BCM versus usual care in individuals with BD and CVD risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot study with 58 participants with BD and CVD risk factors.
  • Random assignment to BCM or usual care.
  • BCM included self-management, CVD risk education, and provider engagement.
  • Primary outcomes: physical and mental health-related quality of life (SF-12).

Main Results:

  • The BCM group showed a trend toward improved mental health-related quality of life.
  • The usual care group experienced a decline in physical health-related quality of life.
  • Significant difference in physical health change favoring BCM (p=.04).

Conclusions:

  • BCM care may mitigate the decline in physical health-related quality of life in individuals with BD.
  • Further investigation is warranted to confirm long-term benefits of BCM on physical, mental health, and CVD risk.
Abstract

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