Family Functioning in Bipolar I Disorder

Patients with bipolar I disorder can suffer depression or manic psychosis, be absent from work, and can squander their finances (or that of others). Though these conditions are brought about by the disorder itself, these typically affect more than just the patient. Bipolar I disorder places a tremendous burden on the ability of a family to function normally.

Conditions

• Bipolar I disorder is characterized by cycling periods of depression (low mood and energy) and mania (inflated mood and energy) in the form of irritability or euphoria.

Effects

• Family members providing care to bipolar patient report having considerable difficulty with normal functioning at work, as parents or spouses, and in their social relationships.

Caregiver Burden

• Family members are often encumbered by what is known as the caregiver burden: the worry and responsibility they feel with regard to a relative with bipolar disorder.

Subjective Burden

• Families providing care to someone with bipolar disorder endure the subjective burden resulting from the stress, tension, and anxiety felt in caring for a loved one who is ill.

Objective Burden

• Families providing care to a bipolar relative often feel an objective burden with regard to the efficacy of their care, particularly since bipolar patients often do not fare well in life.