Direct and indirect predictors of medication adherence by adults with bipolar disorder. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, B.; O'Rourke, N.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 65:Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S404
• Page End: S404
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: bipolar disorder -- medication adherence -- alcohol misuse -- cognitive failures; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Medication adherence by persons with bipolar disorder (BD) is inconsistent. This is disconcerting, as BD is treatment responsive, side-effects are few, and the impact of both hypo/manic and depressive mood episodes can be considerable (e.g., self-harm). Objectives: For this study, we computed a path model to identify both direct and indirect predictors of medication adherence. This included both clinical and psychosocial independent variables (e.g., BD symptoms, psychological well-being, alcohol misuse). Methods: From the BADAS (Bipolar Affective Disorder and older Adults) Study, we identified a global sample of adults with the BD. Participants were recruited using microtargeted, Facebook advertising. This sample included persons living in Canada, U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand (M = 55.35 years, SD = 9.65). Results: Direct predictors included perceived cognitive failures and alcohol misuse. Of note, medication adherence is inversely associated with number of prescribed antipsychotic medications. Neither symptoms of depression nor hypo/mania emerged as direct predictors of medication adherence. Similarly, psychological well-being appears indirectly associated with adherence (via BD symptoms). Conclusions: Despite the wide age range of participants (22 – 73 years), age did not emerge as a predictor of adherence. Nor do cognitive failures appear significantly associated with age suggesting that both young and older adults with BD perceived cognitive loss. Disclosure: No significant relationships.