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    Recovering from first episode psychotic mania: the experience of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder

    Farr, Joanna and Rhodes, John and Smith, Jonathan A. (2023) Recovering from first episode psychotic mania: the experience of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Early Intervention In Psychiatry , ISSN 1751-7885.

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    Abstract

    Aim: Early intervention for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder is a priority, but little is known about how recovery from first episode psychotic mania is experienced by this group. This study aimed to explore the experience of recovery from first episode psychotic mania for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 young adults during recovery from first episode psychotic mania and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (i) ‘Possession of purpose and staying well’, (ii) ‘Coping with compromise’ and (iii) ‘Manic relapse: pressure and proving self’. On becoming well, the participants experienced a sense of purpose through engaging with activities and goals that also drove their efforts to engage in strategies to stay well. However, these strategies created feelings of compromise that not all were prepared to accept. Though having purpose and goals created a positive sense of direction, for a minority of the participants they also created additional pressure, contributing to manic relapse. Conclusions: The purpose created by engaging with aspirations and career-related activities during early intervention was found to be important for a meaningful recovery from first episode bipolar disorder. This instilled positivity and purpose, motivating efforts to maintain wellness. The feelings of compromise that some participants experienced point to the need for individually tailored interventions. Findings suggest a delicate relationship between the positivity of engaging in goals and the risk of manic relapse during recovery from first episode psychotic mania.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences
    Depositing User: Joanna Farr
    Date Deposited: 14 Feb 2023 12:59
    Last Modified: 19 Oct 2023 18:15
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/50640

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