The Role of Early Toxic Interaction with Fathers in Males with Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD), a most debilitating mental illness worldwide, focuses on childhood traumatic experiences, some concerning parents. This study explored the role of early toxic interaction with fathers in males with BD.Methods: This qualitative study used a descriptive phenomenological approach and purposive sampling in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. The data were generated through 12 semi-structured interviews with males with BD who visited psychiatric centers in Tehran, Iran. The interviews continued until data saturation. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method.Results: The data revealed thirteen subthemes comprising three main themes: the experience of living in constant neglect and rejection, living with fear and abandonment, and reflection of the father’s past interactive patterns in the son’s life.Conclusion: Living in neglect, fear, and abandonment, and repeating past interactive patterns in current life were some of the bitter life experiences of men with BD, who considered the problematic relationship and misbehavior of their fathers to be somewhat effective in the formation of their life problems, but reported that they could not help themselves with personal and social adaptation. Individual and supportive psychotherapies with drug therapy can help the rehabilitation and recovery of these patients.