The challenges of living with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study of the implications for health care and research

Eva F. Maassen, Barbara J. Regeer, Eline J. Regeer, Joske F.G. Bunders, Ralph W. Kupka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: In mental health care, clinical practice is often based on the best available research evidence. However, research findings are difficult to apply to clinical practice, resulting in an implementation gap. To bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, patients’ perspectives should be used in health care and research. This study aimed to understand the challenges people with bipolar disorder (BD) experience and examine what these challenges imply for health care and research needs. Methods: Two qualitative studies were used, one to formulate research needs and another to formulate healthcare needs. In both studies focus group discussions were conducted with patients to explore their challenges in living with BD and associated needs, focusing on the themes diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Results: Patients’ needs are clustered in ‘disorder-specific’ and ‘generic’ needs. Specific needs concern preventing late or incorrect diagnosis, support in search for individualized treatment and supporting clinical, functional, social and personal recovery. Generic needs concern health professionals, communication and the healthcare system. Conclusion: Patients with BD address disorder-specific and generic healthcare and research needs. This indicates that disorder-specific treatment guidelines address only in part the needs of patients in everyday clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Article number23
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Bipolar Disorders
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Nov 2018

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