Bipolar spectrum disorders among American registered nurses: a narrative literature review

Abstract

Background Bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) are serious psychiatric conditions correlated with high rates of suicide, substance misuse, hospitalization, and cardiometabolic diseases. Little is known about how BSDs affect American registered nurses (RNs) diagnosed with the condition. Purpose This review aimed to identify risk factors and socioeconomic impacts influencing American RNs diagnosed with BSDs. Methods The study examined literature in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS. Articles discussing RNs diagnosed with BSDs were selected and evaluated for common risk factors and socioeconomic themes. Results Eight papers meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Five articles were personal narratives, two were mixed methods, and one was a cohort study. Risk factors included gender, stress, shift work, and sleep. Socioeconomic themes included economic impact and subjective experience. The female gender predominated in the RN workforce and, to a lesser extent, BSDs. Stress was intertwined with shift work and sleep, as they all influenced circadian alterations, mania, depression, and substance use. The economic impact was poorly understood; however, identified elements were related to hospitalization, absenteeism, and preclusion from insurance coverage. Subjective experiences of RNs with BSDs indicated that stigma incited hostile work environments and shame while seeking mental health care. Conclusion The findings indicated that the identified risk factors contributed to adverse psychological, neurological, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Identified socioeconomic themes suggested unfavorable outcomes, including absenteeism, exclusion from insurance coverage, stigmatization, and hospitalization. However, there is a paucity of information, especially from high-quality studies. This novel review provides the foundation for future research.