Qualitative evaluation of recovery process in patients with bipolar disorder

Recovery is a process by which one promotes health, lives meaningfully, and participates in a community outside the mental health system. Focusing on biotherapeutics and drug therapy has neglected to consider the non-biological factors affecting recovery and planning for its correction. The present study aimed to develop a comprehensive and integrated model for facilitators of recovery in bipolar disorder. This research was a qualitative and grounded theory study. Participants were 31 individuals with ameliorated bipolar disorder who were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data were collected using triangulation method (semi-structured interview, narrative interview and interview with family member). Systematic method of Strauss and Corbin was used for data analysis. The model extracted includes causal conditions, mediators, strategies, and recovery outcomes in people with bipolar disorder. The categories extracted include individual (low sensitivity to stigma disorder, positive attitude, active lifestyle, balanced spirituality, intimacy perception, internal control locus), family (positive family atmosphere and family awareness and participation), and social (social support, Positive image of community, perception of justice, low social stigma, employment and social networks). This finding could be a step towards multidimensional treatment of bipolar disorder and focus on its non-biological aspects.