The Assessment of Awareness of Early Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder Recurrence Among Patients and Their Main Caregivers in Jordan.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the biggest challenges to public health is increasing knowledge of the early warning signs (EWS) of bipolar disorder recurrence. The recurrence incidence is still high despite multiple attempts to improve the awareness level. The awareness level is still ambiguous and insufficient.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of awareness of EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence among patients and their main caregivers in Jordan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to recruit 275 patients and their main caregivers to fill out the adapted version of the Awareness of the EWS of Relapse Questionnaire.

Results: The analysis showed that patients and their main caregivers' awareness of the EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence was low and inadequate (patients, mean = 2.61 (SD = 2.6); main caregivers, mean = 3.84 (SD = 2.2); scores range from 0 to 10).

Conclusion: According to the study, the awareness level of these signs is still vague and inadequate. This means that ensuring long-term positive results for patients and their main caregivers requires a high degree of awareness regarding the warning signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder recurrence. To engage in standard practice, EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence awareness necessitate adequate resources, support, and an empowered and well-communicated multidisciplinary team.