"Extreme emotions" - the impact of reproductive life events for women living with bipolar disorder

Health Care Women Int. 2021 Dec;42(12):1379-1392. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1884683. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Little is known about how women with bipolar disorder construct and experience reproductive life events across the lifespan. We analyzed qualitative data from 29 semi-structured interviews with women aged 22-63 years (reproductive, menopause and post-menopause phases) using thematic analysis through a social constructionist framework. Themes of "Losing a sense of self-agency and self-worth" contained accounts of feeling out of control because of both bipolar disorder and reproductive life events. "Building a sense of personal autonomy and positive self-image" included accounts of acceptance and management of mood change over time, particularly for women in menopause and post-menopause life phases.

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menopause
  • Postmenopause
  • Qualitative Research
  • Reproduction