Factors That Affect Treatment Adherence in Bipolar Disorder

While treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, research suggests that around half of all people with the condition stop adhering to their treatment at some point. It is not uncommon for people with chronic health conditions to stop adhering to their treatments to some degree.

The non-adherence rates for bipolar disorder are consistent with the rates for other types of chronic conditions.

While various definitions exist, treatment adherence generally involves the extent to which a person follows their healthcare provider's recommendations for medications, diet, therapy, and lifestyle changes designed to treat their ailment or condition.

Not adhering to treatment recommendations can lead to worsening symptoms and a poorer prognosis. Because of this, it is important to understand why some people don’t take their medications as prescribed and look for ways to help improve treatment adherence.

Factors That Impact Adherence

The factors that affect treatment adherence among people with bipolar disorder can vary from one person to the next and are often complex.

Early research on adherence to lithium treatment for bipolar disorder found that there were four key domains that played a role in people sticking to their medication. These were:

• The patient
• The illness
• The medication effects
• The doctor 

These four areas exert their own effects but also interact with one another. For example, a person's individual attitudes toward their treatment may be influenced by the severity of their symptoms, the side effects they experience, and their relationship with their doctor or therapist.

Research has also shown that there are a number of other key factors that have a role in treatment adherence. These factors are listed below.

Affordability

Cost is often a significant barrier to treatment adherence in bipolar disorder. Studies have suggested that as many as half of all people with the condition do not receive appropriate treatment due to systemic issues such as lack of insurance or an inability to afford appropriate care.

Beliefs About Medication

A person's attitudes and beliefs about their bipolar medication can often affect whether they are willing to stick to their doctor's recommendations.

People who believe that their medications don't really help, for example, are far less likely to keep taking them. Some of the negative attitudes that impact adherence include:

• Believing they are not effective
• Fear of becoming dependent
• Fear of being controlled or losing independence
• Fear of side effects
• Missing elevated moods associated with bipolar mania
• Thinking symptoms are not severe enough to require medication

Such attitudes can be shaped in a variety of ways. They might be related to a person's perceptions of their experience with treatment, influenced by family or friends, or related to general attitudes about health and wellness.

Family Influences

Social influences, particularly those of family members, close friends, or other loved ones, can also have an impact on whether or not people adhere to their bipolar treatment.

Mental Health Stigma

Stigma toward mental illness can also be a factor in whether or not people stick to their treatment over the long-term. People with bipolar disorder may fear the negative opinions of others, which may lead to them either not seeking treatment or not following their doctor’s recommendations.

Relationship With Doctor

An individual’s relationship with their healthcare provider, often referred to as a treatment alliance, can also have an important influence on whether a person sticks to their doctor’s medical advice. A number of studies have shown that people who have a strong treatment alliance with their provider are much more likely to adhere to their treatment plan.

People are more likely to experience this when they genuinely like their doctor, when they feel that they are collaborating with their provider in their treatment, and when the individual and their provider agree on the goals of treatment.

So how do people with bipolar disorder and providers form a strong alliance that will improve adherence? A number of factors can play a role, but good communication is often key. People need to feel that they can talk openly with their doctor and know that their concerns are taken seriously.

Satisfaction With Treatment

Overall satisfaction with treatment also influences how well people stick to their treatment plan. It is perhaps not surprising that people who are happy with their treatment and don’t experience negative side effects from medication end up adhering more closely over the long term.

Understanding of Bipolar Disorder

Lack of knowledge about the condition is often another reason why people struggle to stick to their treatment plan. When people don't understand bipolar disorder, including the way it can influence behavior and the impact that treatment can have, they may not believe that they really need to take their medications or continue their therapy.

The reasons why people don't fully understand their condition can be due to a number of different things. They may not seek knowledge or their doctor may not effectively communicate what they need to know.

Ways to Improve Adherence

While research has shown that treatment non-adherence is quite common in bipolar disorder as well as other chronic health conditions, there may be effective ways to improve the likelihood that you will persist with treatment over time. Some strategies that might help include the following:

Build a Connection With Your Doctor

It is essential to trust and feel comfortable talking to your doctor. This means finding a doctor who listens, shares your goals, and wants to collaborate with you to find the best approach.

Be Honest About How You’re Feeling

It is also important for you to be open and honest with your doctor. If you aren’t happy with some aspect of your treatment or if you are experiencing side effects that make you not want to take your medication, let your doctor know.

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder

Being informed about your condition won’t only help you make better choices, it may also make it more likely that you’ll continue with your treatments.

Find Social Support

Friends and family can be helpful, but if they can’t or won’t provide what you need, consider seeking out support from others. Local support groups can be a great place to meet others who have experience with bipolar disorder. Online bipolar support groups can also be beneficial.

Even if you are pretty good about following your treatments most of the time, it is common periodically to slip up when it comes to having a lifelong condition. Finding ways to improve treatment adherence can help improve your prognosis and outcomes over the long term.

Always be sure to talk to your doctor or mental health professional if there are factors that are interfering with your ability to continue with your bipolar treatment plan.