Patients' perceptions of barriers to self-managing bipolar disorder: A qualitative study. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blixen, Carol; Perzynski, Adam T; Bukach, Ashley; Howland, Molly; Sajatovic, Martha
• Is Part Of: International journal of social psychiatry. Volume 62:Number 7(2016)
• Page Start: 635
• Page End: 644
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Bipolar disorder -- barriers -- self-management; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764016666572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7640

Abstract

Background: Self-management of bipolar disorder (BD) is challenging for many individuals. Material: Interviews were used to assess perceived barriers to disease self-management among 21 high-risk patients with BD. Content analysis, with an emphasis on dominant themes, was used to analyze the data. Results: Three major domains of barriers emerged: individual barriers (psychological, knowledge, behavioral and physical health); family/community-level barriers (lack of support and resources); and provider/healthcare system (inadequate communication and access to care). Conclusion: Care approaches providing social and peer support, optimizing communication with providers and integrating medical and psychiatric care may improve self-management of BD in this vulnerable population.