The patients' perspective on relevant areas and problems in the bipolar spectrum disorder: individual interviews...

The main goal of this study was to identify relevant aspects and problems related to bipolar disorder according to the patient's own perspective and within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Data on the individual perspective on bipolar disorder was collected through direct interviewing of adults with bipolar disorder type I and II. All information gathered was linked to the ICF categories, and frequencies of each of the ICF categories were calculated.

A total of 15 interviews were conducted when the saturation point was reached. The most frequently measured body functions were b126 temperament and personality functions (73%), b152 emotional functions (67%), and b130 energy and drive functions (67%). Within the ICF component activities and participation, the categories d920 recreation and leisure (47%) and d770 intimate relationships (40%) showed the highest relative frequencies. The category e310 immediate family (87%) had the highest frequency of appearance within the environmental factors chapter, followed by e315 extended family (66%). Regarding body structures, no category appeared in more than one protocol.

The use of semistructured interviews allowed us to give voice to the patients without making them conform to predefined categories. The use of the ICF served as an adequate tool to identify and quantify information on the patient's functioning.