Secrecy, adaptation, and liminality in early-onset bipolar disorder: reflections from a sample of emerging adults

Abstract

ABSTRACTEarly-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) diagnoses have increased, yet much remains to be understood about its impact on developmental considerations that influence the course of illness and treatment. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to explore the experience of stigma, self-stigma, and identity associated with EOBD during adolescence. Participants described experiencing changes in identity and stigma and self-stigma across seven sub-themes: adaptation and integration, emotional adjustment, secrecy and selective disclosure of illness, change in identity and sense of self, labeling, self-labeling, and challenging and rejecting labeling. Implications of findings for social work practice and directions for future research are discussed.