Psychology

The lived experience of caring for someone with bipolar disorder: A qualitative study

B. Speirsid, T. L. Hanstock, et al.

This qualitative study delves into the often-overlooked experiences of informal carers for individuals with bipolar disorder in Australia. Conducted by Bronte Speirsid, Tanya L Hanstock, and Frances J Kay-Lambkin, it uncovers critical insights into coping strategies and support needs, revealing five key themes and an urgent call for enhanced support tailored specifically for these dedicated carers.

00:00

Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of informal carers for individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) in Australia. Fifteen interviews explored coping strategies and support needs. Five key themes emerged: separating the person from the disorder, carer health and coping strategies, symptom unpredictability and variability, carer disillusionment and silencing, and story sharing and support needs. Findings highlight a critical need for increased in-person and online support tailored to carers of individuals with BD.

Publisher

PLOS ONE

Published On

Jan 19, 2023

Authors

Bronte Speirsid, Tanya L Hanstock, Frances J Kay-Lambkin

Related Publications

Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Health and Fitness

The challenges characterizing the lived experience of caregiving. A qualitative study in the field of spinal cord injury

C. Zanini, J. Amann, et al.

Medicine and Health

The complexity of mental health care for people with COPD: a qualitative study of clinicians’ perspectives

J. Wang, K. Willis, et al.

Medicine and Health

The effects of omega 3 fatty acids on the serum concentrations of pro inflammatory cytokines and depression status in patients with bipolar disorder: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

H. Eslahi, M. Shakiba, et al.

Medicine and Health

Risk factors for and pregnancy outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy according to disease severity: A nationwide cohort study with validation of the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis of Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NFOG)

A. J. M. Aabakke, T. G. Petersen, et al.

Listen, Learn & Level Up

Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.

No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.

listen to research audio papers with researchbunny