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Aims: There is very little empirical evidence about the relationship between severe mental illness and the physical health of Indigenous peoples. This paper aims to compare the physical health of Māori and non-Māori with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in contact with NZ mental health services. Methods: A cohort of Māori and non-Māori with a current bipolar disorder diagnosis at 1 January 2010 were identified from routine mental health services data and followed up for non-psychiatric hospital admissions and deaths over the subsequent 5 years. Results: Māori with bipolar disorder had a higher level of morbidity and a higher risk of death from natural causes compared to non-Māori with the same diagnosis, indicating higher levels of physical health need. The rate of medical and surgical hospitalisation was not higher among Māori compared to non-Māori (as might be expected given increased health needs) which suggests under-treatment of physical health conditions in this group may be a factor in the observed higher risk of mortality from natural causes for Māori. Conclusion: This study provides the first indication that systemic factors which cause health inequities between Māori and non-Māori are compounded for Māori living with severe mental illness. Further exploration of other diagnostic groups and subgroups is needed to understand the best approach to reducing these inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effects of 18 months of intensive stabilisation with medication management and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy or Non-specific Supportive Clinical Management on cognitive function in young people with bipolar disorder. Determinants of change in cognitive function over the 18 months of the trial were also examined. Method: Patients aged 15–36 years with Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder and Bipolar Not Otherwise Specified were recruited. From a battery of cognitive tests, change scores for pre-defined domains of cognitive function were created based on performance at baseline and follow-up. Change was compared between the two therapy groups. Regression analysis was used to determine the impact of a range of clinical variables on change in cognitive performance between baseline and follow-up. Results: One hundred participants were randomised to Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (n = 49) or Non-specific Supportive Clinical Management (n = 51). Seventy-eight patients underwent cognitive testing at baseline and 18 months. Across both groups, there were significant improvements in a Global Cognitive Composite score, Executive Function and Psychomotor Speed domains from baseline to 18 months. Lower scores at baseline on all domains were associated with greater improvement over 18 months. Overall, there was no difference between therapies in change in cognitive function, either in a global composite score or change in domains. Conclusion: While there was no difference between therapy groups, intensive stabilisation with psychological therapy was associated with improved cognitive function, particularly in those patients with poorer cognitive function at baseline. However, this was not compared with treatment as usual so cannot be attributed necessarily to the therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life expectancy is increasing for people with intellectual disability, many of whom live with family. While there has been research about aging and future planning, there is limited evidence about the characteristics of the caregiving relationship. The aim of this study was to examine perspectives of caregiving for older people with intellectual disability and their family. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used, and 19 people with intellectual disability and 28 family members were interviewed. Caregiving was informed by transitions across the life course. Three interrelated concepts, Riding the Waves, Shifting Sands—Changing Tides, and Uncovering Horizons comprise the core components of the theoretical model— Navigating Ever-Changing Seas. This model informs complex, trans-generational relationships that impact decision-making for people with a long-term condition. Applications within health care indicate a need for systems to include individuals and their networks of care in policy, practice, research, and service delivery across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]