Factors influencing stigma in bipolar disorder type I

TL;DR

This study explores factors that contribute to social stigma in people with bipolar disorder type I, including socioeconomic status and family dynamics.

Contribution

The study identifies specific socio-demographic and clinical factors linked to stigma in bipolar disorder type I patients.

Findings

Low socioeconomic status and poor family dynamics are strongly associated with higher stigma scores.

Comorbid personality disorders and frequent mood episodes increase the experience of stigma.

Stigma negatively affects patients' quality of life and opportunities in education, employment, and housing.

Abstract

Given the recurrence of mood episodes, with their negative repercussions such as high suicidal risk, significant cognitive decline and the persistence of residual signs with a negative impact on the patient’s family, social and professional functioning, Bipolar Disorder is a mental disorder with a significant social stigma.

Identify the socio-demographic and clinical factors that may influence the experience of stigma in bipolar disorder type I

We conducted a cross-sectional, comparative study over a six-month period at the aftercare unit of Razi Hospital’s psychiatric ward “A”, including patients treated for TB I according to DSM 5 criteria and stable on treatment.

The study was conducted in two stages: first, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a pre-established form. The DISCUS scale, validated in Arabic, was then administered.

We included 100 patients (60 men and 40 women) with a mean age of 43.55 years.

The median DISCUS stigma score was 6 (0-19).

The mean value of the DISCUS scale was high for patients of urban origin (p=0.042), with a low socioeconomic level (p=0.001), and poor family dynamics (p<0.001).

The presence of a comorbid personality disorder was significantly associated with stigma (p=0.006). The DISCUS scale was positively associated with the number of years of follow-up, the number of hospitalizations, the number of manic episodes, the number of depressive episodes and the number of episodes with psychotic or melancholic features.

This stigma can have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life in a whole range of ways, including limiting their opportunities for education, employment and housing.

Intensive therapeutic interventions should be considered for vulnerable patients to limit the consequences.

None Declared