Informational needs of patients hospitalized for bipolar disorder

Thirty-three inpatients (20 women and 13 men) with bipolar disorder participated in audiotaped, semi-structured interviews that focused on their informational needs in six areas: self-management of the disorder, understanding bipolar disorder, managing daily life, living in society, relating to others, and relating to self. The interviews were transcribed and systematically analyzed to produce a typology of needs, which was evaluated by the interviewees as it evolved. The typology is useful for structuring psychoeducational programs. The findings attest to the importance of providing education for persons with bipolar disorder in all health care settings in which they seek treatment.