Relationship and sexual satisfaction among patients with bipolar disorder and partners.

Objectives: Good interpersonal relationships are associated with improved functioning, quality of life, and a better prognosis in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Little information is available regarding relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction within couples where 1 partner has BD.

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine relationship and sexual satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to patients with BD.

Methods: Patients with BD and partners to patients with BD were included, and outcomes were assessed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.

Outcomes: Couple satisfaction was measured by the self-reported questionnaire Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-4), and sexual satisfaction was measured by 3 self-reported questions. Multiple regression analyses were used to compare the groups adjusting for sex, age, mood symptoms, overall functioning, and stress symptoms. The results were compared to general populations.

Results: One hundred eleven patients with BD and 74 partners were included. We found a significant difference between patients with BD and partners concerning relationship satisfaction measured with the CSI, with partners being less satisfied (P = .050). Comparing relationship satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to the general population, we found that the general population was more satisfied in each CSI item (P < .050). In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, mood symptoms, stress, and function, patients with BD were more satisfied with their sexual life over the last year compared to partners (P = .039). They further rated the importance of a good sexual life higher than partners (P = .006). Finally, more patients with BD and partners rated their sex life the last year as being bad to extremely bad compared to the control group from the general population (partners = 21.1%, BD = 23.4%, general population = 16%).

Clinical implications: In clinical practice, it is essential to focus on relationships including sexual life in patients with BD and partners as both groups have a lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction compared to the general population.

Strengths and limitations: The use of validated questionnaires and clinical ratings is a strength, albeit the cross-sectional design is a limitation.

Conclusions: Patients with BD reported a higher degree of satisfaction with their relationship and sexual life compared to their partners. Compared to the general population, both groups expressed lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction.