Bipolar disorder is a common and serious mood disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population. A major health concern, bipolar disorder can have profound effects on individuals, their family members and society. With heritability approaching 93% in some twin studies, the genetic etiology of bipolar disorder is under investigation. Molecular genetic studies have not revealed genes with large effect sizes. Based on the present information gained from twin, family and molecular genetic studies, a multifactorial inheritance pattern is suggested. As a result, genetic testing is not available for bipolar disorder. As genetic knowledge advances, however, it becomes increasingly important to imagine the role that genetic counseling may have for individuals with BPD and their family members. Thus, this study investigates the opinions and perceptions of individuals with bipolar disorder and/or their siblings on issues relevant to genetic counseling. A qualitative research design was employed. Tape-recorded phone interviews were conducted with twenty participants. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was utilized to characterize perceptions. Three main themes were identified: 1.) Individuals with bipolar disorder in their family appreciate the importance of a diagnosis and are concerned by perceived limitations with current methods of diagnosis. 2.) Bipolar disorder in the family can have profound effects on relationships, in both negative and positive ways. 3) Increased education and additional support may impact individuals with bipolar disorder and their families. Additionally, approximately 79% of individuals in this study expressed interest in pursuing genetic counseling to discuss additional information and risks for family members. In addition to showing the interest in genetic counseling expressed by these individuals and their siblings, these findings also may provide a better understanding of the needs of this population. This work has public health relevance as it describes how a common disease can impact individuals and their families and how genetic counseling may provide them with an additional source of support. This study may become increasingly relevant as our understanding of the genetics of bipolar disorder grows.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PITT/oai:PITTETD:etd-04042011-212932 |
| Date | 29 June 2011 |
| Creators | Sharaga, Danielle Alexandra |
| Contributors | Robin Grubs, PhD, M.S., CGC, Elizabeth Gettig, M.S., CGC, Martha Ann Terry, PhD |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh |
| Source Sets | University of Pittsburgh |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04042011-212932/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Pittsburgh or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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