"Extreme emotions" - the impact of reproductive life events for women living with bipolar disorder. Issue 12 (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perich, Tania; Fraser, Isabel; Ussher, Jane
• Is Part Of: Health care for women international. Volume 42:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1379
• Page End: 1392
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Neonatology; Obstetrics; Women -- psychology; Femmes -- Santé et hygiène -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Santé, Services de -- Périodiques; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1884683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-9332

Abstract

Abstract: Little is known about how women with bipolar disorder construct and experience reproductive life events across the lifespan. We analyzed qualitative data from 29 semi-structured interviews with women aged 22-63 years (reproductive, menopause and post-menopause phases) using thematic analysis through a social constructionist framework. Themes of "Losing a sense of self-agency and self-worth" contained accounts of feeling out of control because of both bipolar disorder and reproductive life events. "Building a sense of personal autonomy and positive self-image" included accounts of acceptance and management of mood change over time, particularly for women in menopause and post-menopause life phases.