Preliminary results from the Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study: A nation-wide cohort

Objective: The Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder (GBP) Study is a nation-wide cohort of adults living with Bipolar disorder (BD). The study aims to detect the relationships between genetic risk, symptom severity, and the lifetime prevalence of BD, treatment-response and medication side-effects, and patterns and costs of health care usage. Methods: A total of 6,682 participants (68.3% female; aged 44.8±13.6 years [range 18–90]) were recruited in three waves; a nation-wide media campaign, a mail-out based on prescriptions for lithium carbonate, and through the Australian Genetics of Depression Study. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire. A total of 4,706 (70%) participants provided a saliva sample and were genotyped and 5,506 (82%) consented to record linkage of their Pharmaceutical and Medicare Benefits Schedule data. Results: Most participants were living with Bipolar I disorder (n=4,068) while 1,622 participants were living with Bipolar II disorder and 992 with sub-threshold BD. The mean age of BD diagnosis was 32.7±11.6 years but was earlier in Bipolar I (P=2.0E-26) and females (P=5.7E-23). Excluding depression with onset prior to BD diagnosis, 64.5% of participants reported one or more co-occurring psychiatric disorders; most commonly Generalised anxiety disorder (43.5%) and Posttraumatic stress disorder (20.7%). Adverse drug reactions were common and resulted in discontinuation rates ranging from 33.4% for lithium to 63.0% for carbamazepine. Conclusion: Individuals with lived experience of BD, particularly Bipolar I disorder, psychotic-like experiences and use of lithium carbonate and antipsychotics are motivated to participate in genetically-focused research into risk, treatment experiences and health care utilisation.