Factors associated with medication concerns for those living with bipolar disorder and significant others

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence and concerns regarding the use of medication have been explored in previous literature, however the concerns of significant others, such as friends and family have been largely overlooked in prior research. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to assess the reasons for psychiatric medication concerns and reasons for contemplating non-adherence for those living with bipolar disorder and significant others. METHOD: A total of 536 Australian participants with bipolar disorder participated in a large online survey completing specific open-ended questions relating to medication concerns and the views expressed by others. Qualitative results were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 378 (71%) reported concerns regarding medication with 403 (75%) indicating they wanted to stop taking medication in the past. One hundred and eighty (51%) participants had been told to stop taking medication by others, such as a family member (N = 113, 21%) with stigma being the most cited reason. Several demographic features such as age, gender, co-occurring mental health diagnosis, bipolar subtype, employment and education status were associated with a range of medication concerns. CONCLUSION: High rates of medication concerns were noted. More research is needed to explore the impact of others on treatment adherence.