Title

The Phenomenology of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Location

1049

Format Type

Event

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

January 2018

End Date

January 2018

Abstract

Transcendental phenomenology was used to increase understanding of early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD). Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 8 participants ages 18-25. Interview questions explored participants’ experiences of bipolar disorder during adolescence (ages 13-17). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify essential themes of participant’s experiences. For each participant, individual descriptions were constructed. A composite description was derived from the individual descriptions that represents the experience of early-onset bipolar disorder.

Measures to maximize rigor included an audit trail, reflexive journal, member checking, thick description, consensus coding, stability reliability, and peer review. Atlas.ti software was used for coding and analysis.

Participant data yielded themes across six domains: experience of illness; healthcare and treatment; reactions and coping; interpersonal relationships; labeling and stigma; impact on identity; and mediating factors.

The most common theme was lack of knowledge or understanding of illness. Participants associated this theme with healthcare not being beneficial; however, described receiving family and peer support in the absence of others’ knowledge and understanding. Participants described an overall struggle attaining their own understanding of EOBD. Stigma associated with diagnostic labeling emerged as another common theme; participants described strong impact of labeling on identity development and sense of self. Interpersonal relationships and healthcare were described as sources of labeling and stigma.

Phenomenological data can improve research and clinical interventions for EOBD. Qualitative inquiries can further explore the inception and impact of labeling within the healthcare system, as well as the role of support in mediating impact of stigma on identity development.

Comments

In an effort to stay within 250 words, I condensed much of the phenomenological analysis and methodology. I would be happy to discuss and elaborate on the phenomenological methods used; while data analysis adhered to Moustakas (1994); the use of a reflexive journal, consensus coding, member checking, and visual mapping as part of horizonalization were incredibly helpful in constructing and telling the participants' stories.

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Jan 12th, 1:35 PM Jan 12th, 1:55 PM

The Phenomenology of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

1049

Transcendental phenomenology was used to increase understanding of early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD). Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 8 participants ages 18-25. Interview questions explored participants’ experiences of bipolar disorder during adolescence (ages 13-17). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify essential themes of participant’s experiences. For each participant, individual descriptions were constructed. A composite description was derived from the individual descriptions that represents the experience of early-onset bipolar disorder.

Measures to maximize rigor included an audit trail, reflexive journal, member checking, thick description, consensus coding, stability reliability, and peer review. Atlas.ti software was used for coding and analysis.

Participant data yielded themes across six domains: experience of illness; healthcare and treatment; reactions and coping; interpersonal relationships; labeling and stigma; impact on identity; and mediating factors.

The most common theme was lack of knowledge or understanding of illness. Participants associated this theme with healthcare not being beneficial; however, described receiving family and peer support in the absence of others’ knowledge and understanding. Participants described an overall struggle attaining their own understanding of EOBD. Stigma associated with diagnostic labeling emerged as another common theme; participants described strong impact of labeling on identity development and sense of self. Interpersonal relationships and healthcare were described as sources of labeling and stigma.

Phenomenological data can improve research and clinical interventions for EOBD. Qualitative inquiries can further explore the inception and impact of labeling within the healthcare system, as well as the role of support in mediating impact of stigma on identity development.