"Being Bipolar": A Qualitative Analysis of the Experience of Bipolar Disorder as Described in Internet Blogs. (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandla, Anika; Billings, Jo; Moncrieff, Joanna
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 38:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 858
• Page End: 864
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1355947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the light of debates about the nature of bipolar disorder (BD), the current article presents a thematic analysis of Internet "blogs" by self-identified bipolar sufferers. Extreme and frequent fluctuation of mood was considered the principal feature of BD, along with a broad range of other problems. BD was often invoked as an explanation for life difficulties or lack of achievement, and was mostly regarded as a brain disease. Most bloggers emphasized the importance of drug treatment, along with the self-management techniques. The blogs present a "bipolar identity, " which is much broader than traditional definitions, are based on a medicalized model of the disorder, and are connected to the moral function of enabling people to externalize unwanted aspects of the self.