Bayesian joint longitudinal and survival modeling of bipolar symptom burden and time to symptomatic recovery of patients with bipolar disorder at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia

This study using the Bayesian joint modeling of longitudinal and survival has revealed a strong negative relationship between the event of recovery and the burden of bipolar symptoms at the baseline time. The study indicates that at the beginning, since the burden of bipolar symptoms is high, the chance of symptomatic recovery is low. And, we hypothesize that individuals with a higher initial symptom burden or a slower rate of symptom reduction (captured by b_i) will experience a longer time to recovery. So, bipolar disorders at the initial follow-up need exceptional service and treatment.