Striving for stability with bipolar disorder despite barriers

A conceptual model was developed during interviews with 33 participants that depicts the processes of information search and self-management of hospitalized people with bipolar disorder. Grounded theory methodology guided data collection and analysis. Barriers were reported as encountered throughout the processes; denial of the disorder was the most prevalent obstacle. Critical areas of intervention are helping the person accept the disorder and achieving the basis to be motivated for self-management. Recommendations are for relapse reduction programs to be structured on the awareness that relapse is most likely to occur when barriers are encountered, and that people with the disorder perceive barriers to be everywhere.