Experiences of family caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder

Introduction Attention to caregiving consequences has been mainly restricted to bipolar disorder, although studies suggest that relatives of bipolar patients also experience considerable distress. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of family member caregivers of bipolar disorder patients. Methods In a qualitative research of phenomenological methodology, family member caregivers of bipolar disorder patients in Farshchian Psychiatric Hospital in Hamedan (Iran) were selected by purposive sampling in the year 2010. By reaching data saturation, the number of participants was 12. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed by van Manen method. Results Analysis of the interviews revealed six major themes: fears and anxiety for the future, psychosomatic impact, feeling isolated and loneliness, financial impact, change in lifestyle and family functioning, and lack of support and knowledge. Discussion This study highlights the need for family-oriented mental health services to be developed and for further research to identify the specific nursing interventions that are effective in helping to sustain family caregiving.