The process of recovery from bipolar I disorder: A qualitative analysis of personal accounts in relation to an integrative cognitive model

Abstract

These themes were then interpreted in the light of the existing literature and an integrative cognitive model of bipolar disorder. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

“An Ongoing Struggle With the Self and Illness”: Α Meta-Synthesis of the Studies of the Lived Experience of Severe Mental Illness

“…Although adherence to pharmacotherapy was widely perceived as a necessary and essential means for control of the symptoms and prevention of relapse (Liberman, Kopelowicz, Ventura, & Gutkind, 2002;Mansell, Powell, Pedley, Thomas, & Jones, 2010;McKay, 2010;Piat et al, 2009;Ridge & Ziebland, 2006;Schön, 2010;Shea, 2009), the way in which medication facilitates transformation of self-identity, and further acceptance of the limitations following SMI was not enlightened in the present study (Noiseux & Ricard, 2008;Spaniol, Wewiorski, Gagne, & Anthony, 2002). Thus, it may also be interesting to explore whether or not exists any relationship between selfperception during different phases of the illness and adherence to pharmacotherapy.…”

“…Internal factors are related to one's effort for selfdetermination and initiatives taken for independence, such as spirituality or engagement in positive thinking. On the other hand, medication adherence (Liberman et al, 2002;Mansell et al, 2010;McKay, 2010;Piat et al, 2009;Ridge & Ziebland, 2006;Shea, 2009;Schön, 2010) and religiosity (Mizock, Russinova, & Shani, 2014), are identified as external factors.…”

Psychological approaches to understanding and promoting recovery in psychosis and bipolar disorder: a mixed-methods approach

“…Studies that have explored how individuals with BD stay well have focused primarily on methods by which relapse is avoided and have defined recovery in terms of symptom reduction, rather than focusing on the subjective process of recovery. 289,290 Additionally, studies have focused mainly on individuals with long-term diagnosis of BD neglecting exploration of how these processes develop earlier on in the course of the disorder. No study has explored experiences of recovery from the perspective of the participants early in the course of their BD.…”

“…Some qualitative studies have explored how individuals with BD stay well, focusing primarily on methods by which relapse is avoided, rather than on the subjective process of recovery, highlighting the importance of both medication and psychosocial support in the context of active condition management by the individual. 289,290 Although clinically helpful, such reports define recovery in terms of symptom reduction and avoidance of relapse thus missing the more idiosyncratic personal recovery experiences that are often most important to service users. They also do not incorporate research which indicates that trajectories of symptomatic and functional improvement are often different 297,298 and that some individuals with significant residual symptoms can achieve high levels of functioning.…”

“…Studies of 'staying well' in BD have indicated roles for life style management, warning sign detection/mania avoidance medication and use of support services. 289,290 These reports defined wellness in terms of absence of relapse and recruited their sample on the basis of being out of episode for ≥ 2 years. The current study finds the processes involved in recovery may be different.…”