Welcome to the 22nd WCP Congress Program Scheduling

Objectives

People with Bipolar Disorder have a complex, dynamic, multidimensional disorder with a heterogeneous life-long course. Extensive genetic analyses in cross-sectional Eurocentric cohorts have identified multiple genetic loci that contribute to risk of Bipolar Disorder, yet non-European populations are underrepresented and longitudinal data is scarce. Furthermore, persistent functional impairment is common, but predictors of outcome may vary with racial background and regionally specific socio-demographic features.

The Global Bipolar Cohort consortium was established in 2019 to facilitate global collaborations, and expedite, leverage and optimize resources into a powerful research cohort that encompasses diversity within Bipolar Disorder. The first step, to undertake an inventory of studies available globally to examine functional impairment/outcomes in bipolar disorder, is underway. We are collecting methodology information including assessment details and availability of biological material.

Preliminary survey results identified 45 cohorts with a range of sizes (< 100 to several thousand) that tally to 29,808 participants; two-thirds are hospital-based samples and most have a functional outcome measure. Finally, 80% are predominantly of European ancestry. We clearly need to expand the global research environment in Bipolar Disorder to include non-European participants, and identify strategies to harmonize data across cohort collections.

To make progress, we need to expand the number and diversity of study subjects available for Bipolar research, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. A concerted effort by the research community to increase inclusion of diverse persons in global collaborative studies of Bipolar Disorder may facilitate the crucial improvements in prognostic and treatment disparities globally.