Finding the balance: A grounded theory study about experiences of patients regarding family participation in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Abstract

Background: Different types of family interventions are applied in the treatment of bipolar disorder but to our knowledge no qualitative research is performed to examine the experiences of patients with the involvement of relatives in treatment. Aim: Improve treatment by the insight about what is perceived by patients as helping and hindering in the involvement of relatives in treatment. Research question: What are experiences of patients with the involvement of relatives in treatment, and how does this involvement help or hinder in treatment, according to patients? Method: Qualitative research according to the grounded theory. Results: The psycho education course, treatment appointments and the relapse prevention plan are helping elements in the involvement of a relative. A negative attitude of the relative towards daily situations and behavior of the patient, and the confronting feeling the patient can get when the relative shares more information than the patient would do or when the relative mentions difficulties that are unknown to the patient are experienced as hindering by the patient. Conclusion: Living with bipolar disorder is an ongoing search for balance between independence and accepting support. The involvement of a relative in treatment can help with this search. Nurses should point out the necessity of the involvement of a relative in treatment to the patient and patients should be actively ask to involve a relative in treatment. In treatment appointments attention should be given to the balance between independence and accepting support. Recommendations: In future research more depth should be sought so the emerging theory can be developed.