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ToolsRoxburgh, Emily, Taylor, Billie Lever, Rammou, Aikaterini and Hodgekins, Joanne (2025) Experiences of informal caregivers supporting individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, 13.
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Abstract
Background: To 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. Methods: Ovid, 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. Findings: Fourteen 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. Conclusions: Caregivers 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Availability of data and materials: The datasets analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bipolar disorder,systematic review,meta-synthesis,thematic synthesis,caregivers,qualitative research,caregivers,qualitative research,systematic review,thematic synthesis,psychiatry and mental health,biological psychiatry,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2738 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Mental Health |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Nov 2025 11:30 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Nov 2025 12:30 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100938 |
| DOI: | 10.1186/s40345-025-00391-w |
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