Characterizing the Impact of Stigma From the Perspective of Bipolar Disorder Patients: Results From a Social Listening Study

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BP) is a chronic and recurrent psychiatric characterized by manic/hypomanic depressive episodes with or without mixed features. Despite high levels of functional disability associated BP, internal external stigma can create barriers to successful recovery. This retrospective, observational social listening study was conducted understand how stigma-related terms correlated discussion therapeutic interventions psychosocial domains recovery in unprompted, online conversations self-identified bipolar patients. Methods A comprehensive search performed for publicly available, posted on forums, blogs, message boards, the media platforms Facebook YouTube between 1/1/2019 9/30/2021. Digital interactions anonymous BP-diagnosed patients were analyzed identify associations common themes sentiments related BP stigma. An index value (baseline=100) calculated based expected correlation rate that concept used conversation versus general conversation. >100 indicated higher than statistically expected; values <100 lower expected. Results total 257,964 from 30,710 identified analysis (mean, 8.4 BP-I posts per individual/year). The most prevalent patient guilt (6.9%), frustrated/discouraged (1.8%), shame (1.1%), exhaustion (1.1%). Stigma-related over-indexed attributed (e.g., guilt=708, denial=563, embarrassment=480); also relapse-related stressed=184, shame=141, frustrated/discouraged=124). Social/familial topics (47.2%) discussed as often medical/psychological (48.7%) medication (42.8%). Medical intervention-related not highly stigma, except areas insurance/disability. social/familial relationships isolation/loneliness=134, guilt=132), jobs/school embarrassment=190, stigma=184, overwhelmed=154, shame=142, isolation/loneliness=140). Conclusion These analyses describe pattern which appears perceptions medical/therapeutic domains. Stigma significantly associates recovery, but interventions. Thus, may act barrier symptomatic remission patient-provider alliance represents trusted channel an opportunity through should be supported overcoming Funding AbbVie