Parenting Characteristics of Families of Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the parenting characteristics of adolescents with bipolar disorder. Methods: Parenting style of 30 adolescents with bipolar disorder was assessed and compared with normal group of 30 adolescents. Multidimensional Parenting Scale was used for assessing parenting style. Results: There were significantly lower levels of love, encouragement, acceptance, progressivism, democratism and higher levels of hate, rejection, autocratism, discouragement, conservatism and dependency found among families’ of adolescents with bipolar disorder compared to the normal group. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate that there may be such factors related with parenting style which may have a significant role in the onset and course of bipolar disorders in child and adolescent population. Early identification and targeted interventions in these areas might be required for prevention, management, rehabilitation and preventing relapses of children and adolescents with bipolar disorders.