Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40034127›Full record

ArticleNeuropsychiatric disease and treatment2025

Understanding Relapse in Bipolar Disorder at a Tertiary Mental Health Facility in Uganda.

Peter Kimbowa, Viola Nalwoga, Shaluwa Namwanje, Jovan Kisakye Ssekulima, Sharon Wawa Anguparu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Peter KimbowaDepartment of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira, Northern Uganda.
Viola NalwogaDepartment of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira, Northern Uganda.ORCID 0000-0002-5641-171X
Shaluwa NamwanjeDepartment of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira, Northern Uganda.
Jovan Kisakye SsekulimaDepartment of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira, Northern Uganda.
Sharon Wawa AnguparuDepartment of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira, Northern Uganda.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression, affecting approximately 1 in 150 adults globally. BD contributes significantly to disability and years of life lost, with a notable prevalence in Africa. The high relapse rates in BD, exacerbated by limited mental health resources and underdiagnosis, highlight the need for targeted interventions. This study explores the factors contributing to relapse among BD patients at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Uganda, a crucial mental health facility in the region. Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital. Adult patients aged 18-65, diagnosed with BD and experiencing relapse after treatment, were included. Data were collected through purposive sampling, focusing on obtaining detailed personal accounts from approximately 15 participants until data saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis identified key themes and subthemes related to relapse factors. Results: Five major themes emerged: treatment adherence, psychosocial factors, cultural beliefs, economic challenges, and coping mechanisms. Non-adherence to medication, driven by side effects, forgetfulness, and financial constraints, was a significant relapse factor. Psychosocial stressors, such as life events and social isolation, alongside stigma and cultural beliefs in traditional healing, further complicated relapse patterns. Economic hardships affected medication access and treatment consistency. Supportive social networks and psychoeducation emerged as crucial for effective management and relapse prevention. Conclusion: Addressing medication adherence, psychosocial stressors, cultural beliefs, and economic barriers through a holistic approach integrating medical treatment with psychoeducation and support systems is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing relapse rates in this setting. Therefore, the effective management of bipolar disorder at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital requires a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors.

Indexed as

bipolar disordercultural beliefseconomic challengespsychosocial factorsrelapsetreatment adherenceUganda

Identifiers

PMID40034127
PMCPMC11874769

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