ReviewInternational journal of bipolar disorders2025
Experiences of informal caregivers supporting individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.
Review in International journal of bipolar disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Exploring Satisfaction and Support Needs of Informal Home Caregivers Using Palliative Care Services: A Mixed-Methods Study from Rwanda.Rwanda journal of medicine and health sciences · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundTo identify, appraise, and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the experiences of informal caregivers (unpaid individuals providing emotional and or practical care) supporting individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD), and to identify any emotional, practical, or informational needs.
methodsOvid, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched from 1980 to January 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer viewed, published in English, used qualitative data collection and analysis, had data on the experiences of caregivers (aged 18 or above) supporting individuals with BD (aged 14 or above), and were conducted in western countries with individualistic cultures. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.
findingsFourteen papers were included in the review. Three analytical themes: 'challenges of caregiving', 'healthcare system challenges', and 'coping with the shifting landscape' were identified, encompassing six descriptive themes and three supporting subthemes.
conclusionsCaregivers supporting individuals with BD face complex emotional and physical challenges, coupled with significant imposed losses and responsibilities. The relapsing and unpredictable nature of BD can exacerbate caregiver demands. There is a need for increased societal awareness of BD, improved communication and collaboration between mental health services and caregivers, and improved support for caregiver wellbeing. Further research exploring cultural, gender, and role specific needs of caregivers is warranted.
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Registered trials
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