The continuum of recovery among Canadians with bipolar disorder: From remission to complete mental health

Objectives

Research on recovery from bipolar disorder focuses primarily on symptom remission and diagnostic criteria. Less attention, however, has been paid to other aspects of mental well-being and psychosocial functioning. The current study examines the prevalence of, and factors associated with, recovery from bipolar disorder through three levels: (1) remission from bipolar disorder; (2) the absence of psychiatric disorders (APD); and (3) complete mental health (CMH), which incorporates measures of happiness, life satisfaction, psychological flourishing, and absence of mental illness.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health. A subsample of 555 adults with bipolar disorder was analyzed using bivariate chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Approximately 1 in 4 (23 %) participants with bipolar disorder achieved CMH, which was significantly lower than the 74 % of those without bipolar disorder who were in CMH. Factors associated with CMH among individuals with bipolar disorder included older age, higher household income, being married, having a confidant, utilizing religion or spirituality for coping, and being free from substance abuse or dependence and debilitating chronic pain.

Limitations

Absence of data on certain mental disorders, exclusion of hospitalized or unresponsive participants, and social desirability, may have biased the results.

Conclusion

By identifying factors associated with CMH among those with bipolar disorder, this study provides insight into recovery from bipolar disorder beyond symptom remission, highlights subpopulations who may be at heightened risk of further adverse mental health outcomes, and helps inform interventions that support recovery for individuals affected by bipolar disorder.