Objective
To discuss the meanings of the experiences of manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder (BD).
Methods
This is a qualitative research, done through semi-structured in-depth interviews in a sample closed by saturation criterion with eight patients with BD in remission. The technical data processing was done through qualitative content analysis of the transcribed interviews and categorization. The results were validated by peer-reviewers from the Laboratory of Clinical-Qualitative Research of the Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, Unicamp consisting of 37 researchers of the method, including, masters, doctoral, postdoctoral and senior researchers.
Results
Three categories were identified – Ambivalence and shame: to think or not to think about the manic episodes; Organizing personal feelings: remission as a moment of self-consciousness; Maniac episodes: structuring interpersonal relationships versus projections of self-criticism.
Conclusion
The findings of this research contribute to a greater understanding of manic frames in BD that can assist in the reflections on the doctor-patient relationship, to develop strategies for adherence and the therapeutic and preventive measures of recurrent. Can assist the health team involved in monitoring these cases and also the researchers in investigation of the contribution of these meanings discussed here in the phenomena of adherence to treatment and a better prognosis.
Bipolar disorder; mania; patient care; patient dropouts; qualitative research