Bipolar Disorder Patients Follow-up (BDPF): methods and materials
Amir Shabani1, Aida Taheri, Sanaz Azadforouz
1Bipolar Disorders Research Group, Mental Health Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
The Bipolar Disorder Patients Follow-up (BDPF) project is a longitudinal study tracking Iranian patients. This research aims to improve understanding and data on bipolar disorder, a leading cause of disability.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Bipolar Disorder Patients Follow-up (BDPF) project is a longitudinal, prospective, and naturalistic study.
- It aims to gather comprehensive data on bipolar disorder in Iranian patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce the BDPF project and its methodology.
- Present reliability data for symptom rating scales used in the study.
- Elaborate on the methods employed for data collection.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal prospective sampling initiated in May 2008, ongoing.
- Regular assessments at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and subsequently every 6 months.
- Utilizes multiple instruments to assess psychiatric comorbidities, symptom severity, quality of life, suicide attempts, and treatment compliance.
Main Results:
- Findings are expected to enhance clinicians' awareness of the clinical presentation of bipolar disorder in Iranian patients.
- Reliability data for symptom rating scales will be presented.
Conclusions:
- The BDPF project addresses existing gaps in Iran's psychiatric data for major disorders.
- Contributes to understanding bipolar disorder, a significant cause of global medical disability.
