Psychopharmacotherapy of bipolar affective disorders from an Internet patients' viewpoint

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate an Internet patients' viewpoint on psychopharmacotherapy of bipolar affective disorders. Methods: Within a twelve-months period 2400 postings in two German language forums for bipolar affective disorders were analysed. Postings according to psychopharmacotherapy (14% of all postings, n=330 postings of 118 users) were qualitatively analysed with respect to fields of interest and self-help mechanisms. Results: Most postings were written by patients (94%, n=309), 4% (n=13) were written by relatives, and 2% (n=8) were written by professionals. “Disclosure“ (61%), “provision of information“ (34%), and “request for information“ (14%) were the main self-help mechanisms regarding psychopharmacotherapy. The topics most discussed were “indications“ (52%), “dosage“ (48%), and “side effects“ (40%). Side effects of greatest concern were “weight gain“ (23%), “drug dependence“ (14%), and “loss of hair“ (10%). Side effects were mostly related to “sedatives/hypnotics“ (61%), “lithium“ (51%), and “anticonvulsants“ (48%). Conclusions: It is of particular importance for patients to be exactly informed about indication, dosage and side effects of the medication. Psychoeducative programmes and drug management should focus on this aspects, in particular on “visible“ side effects like weight gain and loss of hair.