Bipolar Disorder As An Inborn Phenomenon; An Insight Through The Lens Of Parents

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is categorized under mood disorder in DSM-5 TR which is characterized by manic-depressive episodes. It can be hypothesized that it is a disorder developed by birth and remains dormant until any event triggers it and manifests noticeably. Understanding early manifestation can help in timely identification and management. A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilized to understand the developmental patterns of BD by interviewing parents of patients suffering from BP-I and BP-II disorder[1] with and without family history. The results highlighted that home environment, stressful life events, traumatic life events, childhood neglect, parental discord, high expectations, and personality traits predispose the risk population towards the development of BD who has a family history of psychiatric illnesses. The onset of BD is exhibited in late teens with a sudden onset. Spiritual Beliefs tend to be rigid among BD patients and are used as a coping mechanism. Marital life is negatively impacted by BD leading to a high rate of divorce. Stigmatization is a common phenomenon that deleteriously impacts family members' and patients’ quality of life. The best treatment option was found to be a combination of medication and psychotherapy.