Determination of functioning levels and affecting factors in patients with bipolar disorder

The aim of this study was to examine the functionality levels of patients with bipolar disorder and the affecting factors. The study was conducted with patients who were attending Nigde Province Community Mental Health Center (TRSM) for rehabilitation. The study was conducted with 91 patients with bipolar disorder. The Bipolar Disorder Functioning Scale and Patient Identification Form were applied to the patients. The study data were analyzed using the SPSS22.0 program and descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, median, min-max) were used for scale and subscale scores. Shapiro-Wilk normality tests were performed to decide on the tests to be used in the analysis of the data. Since the study data did not show a normal distribution, the scale score medians and the independent variables were compared using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. The mean score of the Emotional Functioning subscale was 5.70±1.17, the mean score of the Mental Functioning subscale was 7.72±1.52, the mean score of the Sexual Functioning subscale was 8.41±2.32, the mean score of the Feeling of Stigma subscale was 6.83±2.70, the mean score of the Withdrawal subscale was 5.20±1.76, the mean score of the Domestic Relations subscale was 12.80±4.15, the mean score of the Relations with Friends subscale was 8.36±2.75, the mean score of the Participation in Social Activities subscale was 12.35±2.89, the mean score of the Daily Activities and Hobbies subscale was 14.03±3.16, the mean score of the Taking Initiative and Using One's Potential subscale was 5.54±1.80, and the mean score of the Work subscale was 7.60±2.15. Patients received average or above average scores from functionality scales. Keywords: Bipolar disorder, functionality, psychiatric nursing