The path towards stability: treatment with medicines in bipolar disorder

Objective The objective of this study was to uncover the experience with medication during treatment for Bipolar Affective Disorder. Method Qualitative research was developed using Max van Manen’s Phenomenology of Practice method. Semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were conducted. The data were processed using the thematic analysis technique, facilitated by NVivo® software. Results The results revealed five themes: “Before and After Diagnosis”, “Mental Health Recovery Is Subjective”, “Living Like Alice: Difficulty Achieving Balance”, “Medication Helps, But It Doesn’t Work Miracles”, and “Before and After the Most Effective Medication”. Conclusion The research contributed to understanding the experience of treatment and mental health recovery.