Understanding the factors that influence psychosocial functioning in older people with bipolar disorder
About the Project
Bipolar disorder is classified as a lifelong, recurrent condition, associated with functional decline and a reduction in quality of life (Michalak et al., 2005; Bonnín et al., 2012). Older adults are estimated to represent approximately 25% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder (Ljubic et al., 2021). This number is set to increase as our population ages and the awareness of the condition improves (Sajatovic et al., 2015).
Bipolar disorder in later life is more complex, with high rates of physical comorbidities (Warner et al., 2023) and poorer cognitive function compared to age-matched controls (Samame et al, 2013). This may impact on a person’s functioning in later life and lead to difficulties with finances, domestic roles, mobility, and social and recreational activities (Chen et al, 2017).
This PhD project aims to understand the factors that influence psychosocial functioning in older people with bipolar. The first stage of the PhD will involve undertaking a meta-synthesis of existing studies that have focused on individuals diagnosed with a severe and enduring mental health difficulties and their experiences of ageing. The second stage aims to identify factors that predict functioning in older people with bipolar and identify participants who score high and low on the functioning scales (whilst controlling for factors that affect functioning e.g., current mood state). This will involve recruiting a sample of 80 older people with bipolar from NHS services, voluntary services and mental health charities and asking them to complete a number of different assessment measures.
The final stage of the PhD aims to understand some of the factors that may influence functioning for older people with bipolar. Twenty participants who scored either high or low on the measures at stage two will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview. The interviews will be analysed using qualitative methods.
Training/techniques to be provided
All students enrolled on a PhD in the department will have access to the Master’s of Research Psychology courses in statistics, qualitative methods and systematic reviews. The library also offers support to students that are undertaking a systematic review as part of their studies. The University of Manchester and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) offer courses in the area of patient and public involvement (PPI), Equality, Diversity and inclusion (EDI). There will also be the opportunity to pay for external courses to support the students training and development and the attendance at conferences such as the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive therapies (BABCP). More intensive supervision and bespoke training will be provided by the core supervisory team who have in-depth knowledge in the subject area and the necessary methodological expertise needed to undertake the proposed PhD.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to hold a minimum upper second-class honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
A master’s degree is desirable.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the PhD Psychology and Mental Health.
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international/
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Funding Notes
Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website
References
Warner, A., Holland, C., Lobban, F., Tyler, E., Harvey, D., Newens, C., & Palmier-Claus, J. (2023). Physical health comorbidities in older adults with bipolar disorder: A systematic review. Journal of affective disorders,326, 232–242. Advance online publication.
Tyler, E Lobban, F, Sutton, C Hadarag, BH Johnson, S Depp, C Duncan D.,Jones S.H (2022) A pilot randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recovery focused therapy for older adults with bipolar disorder. BJPsych Open, Volume 8 , Issue 6.
Tyler E, Lobban F, Hadarag MB, Jones SH. A systematic review of psychosocial functioning and quality of life in older people with bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports. 2022 May 21:100371.
Tyler E, Lobban F, Long R, Jones SH. Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study. BMJ Open. 2021 Aug 4;11(8):e049829.
Smart, E., Berry, K., Palmier-Claus, J. & Brown, L. (2021). Aging well with psychosis. Journal of Aging Studies, 57, 100925
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