Background: Early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) diagnoses have increased, yet much remains to be understood about its phenomenology. Research and treatment models developed for adult-onset bipolar disorder have largely overlooked qualitative inquiries and adolescent developmental considerations that influence course of illness.
Aim: The purpose of the current study was to obtain an understanding of the lived experience of interpersonal relationships and EOBD during adolescence through the retrospective report of emerging adults.
Methods: This study utilized a transcendental phenomenological design. A purposive sample of eight participants ages 18-25 participated in semi-structured interviews that explored the experience of interpersonal relationships and EOBD throughout adolescence.
Results: Participants described their experiences across three broad themes: managing and coping with EOBD; effect of EOBD on relationships; and change and uncertainty. Sub-themes include knowledge and denial of illness, involvement of others in treatment, support, difficulty maintaining social functioning, isolation and secrecy, and changes in relationships.
Conclusions: Participants characterized adolescence as a period of constant, simultaneous challenges in symptom management, maintaining social functioning, and concurrent changes in family and peer relationships that provide interpersonal support. Future qualitative studies should explore the implications of normative social development and family functioning for the course of illness and treatment outcomes.
Keywords: Adolescence; bipolar disorder; early-onset bipolar disorder; emerging adulthood; interpersonal support.