Relationship and sexual satisfaction among patients with bipolar disorder and partners

Good interpersonal relationships are associated with improved functioning, quality of life, and a better prognosis in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Little information is available regarding relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction within couples where 1 partner has BD.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine relationship and sexual satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to patients with BD.

Patients with BD and partners to patients with BD were included, and outcomes were assessed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.

Couple satisfaction was measured by the self-reported questionnaire Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-4), and sexual satisfaction was measured by 3 self-reported questions. Multiple regression analyses were used to compare the groups adjusting for sex, age, mood symptoms, overall functioning, and stress symptoms. The results were compared to general populations.

One hundred eleven patients with BD and 74 partners were included. We found a significant difference between patients with BD and partners concerning relationship satisfaction measured with the CSI, with partners being less satisfied (P = .050). Comparing relationship satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to the general population, we found that the general population was more satisfied in each CSI item (P < .050). In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, mood symptoms, stress, and function, patients with BD were more satisfied with their sexual life over the last year compared to partners (P = .039). They further rated the importance of a good sexual life higher than partners (P = .006). Finally, more patients with BD and partners rated their sex life the last year as being bad to extremely bad compared to the control group from the general population (partners = 21.1%, BD = 23.4%, general population = 16%).

In clinical practice, it is essential to focus on relationships including sexual life in patients with BD and partners as both groups have a lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction compared to the general population.

The use of validated questionnaires and clinical ratings is a strength, albeit the cross-sectional design is a limitation.

Patients with BD reported a higher degree of satisfaction with their relationship and sexual life compared to their partners. Compared to the general population, both groups expressed lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction.