Functional Consequences of Bipolar Affective Disorder: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

Abstract

An investigation into the functional consequences for an outpatient group of euthymic clients with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder(N=62) was conducted at the Bipolar Clinic at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. Participants completed a questionnaire that was based on the Role Checklist and that measured their level of involvement, satisfaction, and functioning in various life roles. The questionnaire also included criteria for adaptive level of functioning. Approximately one third of the sample did not meet the criteria for adaptive level of functioning. Furthermore the self-care, productivity and leisure problems identified in the open-ended questions suggest that the functional consequences of bipolar affective disorder are substantial for this euthymic outpatient group of clients. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of the Occupational Therapy Guidelines for Client-Centred Mental Health Practice.