Psychological Distress and Coping Patterns among Family Caregivers of Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Allah Mohsen Zaki, Mennat; Mohammed Mourad, Ghada; Hafez Afefe Barakat, Asmaa; Sayed Mohammed, Hoda

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.445021

Psychological Distress and Coping Patterns among Family Caregivers of Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Lecturer of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

² Professor of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University.

³ Assistant Professor of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.445021

Abstract

Background Bipolar Disorder is a major psychotic disorder which causes considerable burden and limitations among the caregivers of the affected patients. Different coping methods are used that may have a buffering effect on level of psychological distress they experience. Aim: This study aimed to assess psychological distress and coping patterns among family caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional analytical study design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was carried out in the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Psychiatry affiliated to Ain Shams University. Subjects: this study was conducted on 50 family caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. Data collection tools: 1) Interviewing questionnaire to assess: a) demographic data of caregivers, b) patient history of illness; 2) Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; and 3) Coping strategies inventory scale. Results: data analysis showed that 78%, 12% & 10% of the studied family caregivers had severe, moderate, and mild levels of psychological distress. Regarding their coping pattern, 76% of the studied family caregivers low problem focused engagement, while 54% & 58% of them had high problem focused disengagement and emotional focused disengagement. Conclusion: This study concluded that, more than three quarters of the studied caregivers had severe level of psychological distress, more than two thirds of them had low engagement coping and three fifths of them had high disengagement coping. Recommendations: Development of psycho-educational supportive program for family caregivers of patients with BD to reduce their psychological distress and improve coping patterns. Establishment of counseling clinics for caregivers of patients with mental illness including BD to enhance their resilience, coping skills and quality of life.

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