Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40342257›Full record

ArticleBipolar disorders2025

Towards a Better Understanding of the Lived Experience of Carers of People With Bipolar Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Juliet Robinson, Bronte Speirs, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Tanya Hanstock

Abstract read
In one paragraph

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

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Juliet RobinsonSchool of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
Bronte SpeirsSchool of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
Frances Kay-LambkinSchool of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
Tanya HanstockSchool of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-8905-2231

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCaring for someone with Bipolar disorder (BD) is unique, and the severity and complexity of symptoms can overwhelm informal carers such as family, friends, and partners.

aimThis study employed a concurrent mixed-methods model to investigate the lived experience of informal carers caring for those with BD in Australia.

methodsParticipants (n = 46) answered an online survey containing standardised measures of quality of life and coping mechanisms as well as open-ended questions about their caring role challenges and support.

resultsCarers reported mental health problems as the highest care-related burden and reported low perceived social support. However, a one-way MANOVA indicated no difference in these dimensions between carers of people with BD I and II. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed five superordinate themes relating to informal caregivers' challenges, coping strategies, and the support they need. The themes were: like a roller-coaster; carer mental health; complexities of the carer role and diagnosis; how to cope; and multifaceted support. The oscillation of symptoms and complexities of the caring role increased the burden on carers and created mental health challenges, requiring carers to use various coping strategies. Findings highlight the need for individualised, multimodal support for carers.

conclusionCarers need adequate and accessible support through strong partnerships with healthcare providers to improve their own quality of life and mental health and, in turn, those in their care.

Indexed as

Adaptation, PsychologicalBipolar DisorderCaregiversQuality of LifeAdultAgedAustraliaCost of IllnessFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSocial SupportSurveys and Questionnairesbipolar Disordercarerscopinglived experiencequality of life

Identifiers

PMID40342257
PMCPMC12254905

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.