The Early-BipoLife study is a German multicenter, prospective observational cohort study aimed at investigating early recognition and intervention in individuals at increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD). The study involved 1,086 participants aged 15-35 who exhibited at least one risk factor for BD, and their quality of life (QoL) was assessed over a two-year period using the WHOQOL-BREF tool. Results indicated that individuals at risk for BD had significantly lower QoL compared to an age-matched comparison group at baseline. Over the two years, improvements were observed in the psychological well-being domain of QoL, but baseline risk group status was not a significant predictor of changes in QoL.

The study further explored the relationship between changes in risk levels over time and QoL improvements. Participants whose risk increased during the study showed a smaller improvement in QoL compared to those whose risk remained constant or decreased. A higher self-rated ability to use coping strategies and better baseline functioning (measured by the GAF) were associated with greater improvements in QoL. The findings suggest that monitoring risk status in individuals with at-risk syndromes for BD could help identify those who may benefit from early interventions aimed at enhancing their QoL. Additionally, further research into coping strategies and self-management techniques is recommended to improve mental health and overall QoL in this population.

Reference: Glaus J, Karow A, Lambert M, et al. Quality of life in persons at risk for bipolar disorder: a two year prospective-longitudinal observational cohort study (BipoLife). Int J Bipolar Disord. 2025 Feb 18;13(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s40345-025-00373-y. PMID: 39964389; PMCID: PMC11836254.