Examining The Attitudes and Opinions of Bipolar Disorder Pre- And Post-educational Session in Individuals Affected with Bipolar Disorder and First-degree Relatives of Individuals Affected with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a serious psychiatric condition that causes shifts in mood, energy levels, and the ability to complete daily activities. An estimated 1% of the United States’ population is affected with BPD. In affected individuals, BPD can cause relationship problems, poor performance at work/school, substance abuse, and suicide. For these reasons, BPD is associated with a significant amount of morbidity and is a substantial public health concern. \ud Studies indicate that BPD is a multifactorial condition and although several candidate genes have been suggested, no single gene has been successfully identified. Recurrence risk for unaffected individuals that have one first-degree relative with BPD is 5-30%. \ud Research to identify the predisposing genes of BPD is ongoing. It is likely genetic counseling and testing for BPD will become routine in the future. This study is designed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions regarding BPD and genetic testing for BPD. In order to capture those most likely to seek genetic testing and counseling for BPD, the target populations were individuals affected with BPD and first-degree relatives of individuals affected with BPD. The public health significance is that understanding the attitudes and opinions of these populations may help reduce the burden of the disease.\ud Participants were consented and took anonymous surveys over the telephone. They answered multiple choice knowledge questions and rated their level of agreement to statements, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), about bipolar disorder and genetic testing. By rating their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale, their health beliefs in the categories of perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and barriers were analyzed. Participants then participated in an educational session and took an identical survey.\ud Results indicate that the knowledge about BPD significantly increased following the educational session. The attitudes and opinions of primary affected individuals and first-degree relatives did not differ significantly pre-educational session in the HBM categories, however did differ significantly post-educational session in perceived severity. Neither population differed significantly among themselves pre- and post-educational session. When individual statements were analyzed, affected individuals were more moderate in concerns of having a child with BPD\u