Stigma: a core factor on predicting functionality in bipolar disorder

• Published in: Comprehensive psychiatry Vol. 53; no. 5; pp. 484 - 489
• Main Authors: Cerit, Cem, Filizer, Arzu, Tural, Ümit, Tufan, Ali Evren
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01-07-2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Awareness; Biological and medical sciences; Bipolar disorder; Bipolar Disorder - psychology; Bipolar Disorder - rehabilitation; Bipolar disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Medical sciences; Mental disorders; Models, Psychological; Mood disorders; Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self Concept; Social Adjustment; Social Stigma; Social Support; Studies; Turkey; Turkey; Mood disorder; Bipolar disorder; Predictive factor; Stigma
• ISSN: 0010-440X; 1532-8384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2011.08.010

Abstract Objective Extant literature indicates that bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with significant poor psychosocial functioning. However, the relationship between functioning and demographic and clinical variables is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of functioning such as demographic and clinical variables, social support, self-perceived stigma, and insight in remitted patients with BD. Methods Eighty patients with a diagnosis of BD, complete remission according to the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition were included in the final assessment. Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Young Mania Rating Scale, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Schedule for Assessing the Three Components of Insight were used. Student t test, Pearson correlation analyses, and linear regression analyses were used to assess the pathways effecting on functioning. Results The 3 predictors of functioning were severity of depression, perceived social support, and internalized stigmatization. Severity of depression is considered the strongest predictor, whereas internalized stigmatization has a core role in predicting functioning. Clinical variables such as years of education and number of hospitalization probably have indirect effects on functioning. Conclusion Interventions that oppose stigmatization and consideration of mild depressive symptoms will positively affect functioning in remitted patients with BD.