What makes you well? Supports of well-being in bipolar disorder. A qualitative study

Objective Subjective experience of people living with bipolar disorder is gaining attention in the field of research. Improving well-being could be as important as symptom remission, but this constitutes a vague concept. This study aimed at exploring the boundaries and the determinants of the well-being of people living with bipolar disorder in a French context.Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 patients by three professionals. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using the thematic analysis method.Results Various dimensions emerged as contributing to well-being: daily routines, connectedness, regaining a positive identity, and self-awareness for self-management.Conclusions In addition to those common to the general population, this study highlighted specific determinants of well-being: the construction of a positive identity through acceptance of the diagnosis, the importance of self-awareness and self-management. They are highly intertwined with those of personal recovery and could help caregivers design interventions that directly target these goals. This study aimed to identify specific components of well-being for people living with bipolar disorder. Understanding the determinants of well-being enable caregivers to design tailored interventions that directly target quality of life and help improve bipolar disorder outcomes.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the boundaries and determinants of the well-being of people living with bipolar disorder in a French context. It found that daily routines, connectedness, regaining a positive identity, and self-awareness for self-management are important factors contributing to their well-being. Understanding these determinants can help caregivers design interventions that directly target quality of life and improve bipolar disorder outcomes.