[Self-esteem and partner relationships of patients with bipolar affective disorder: a study of the interval personality with the Giessen-test].
The self-concept and the partner relationships of patients with bipolar affective disorder in remission were investigated with the Giessen-Test (GT, Beckmann et al. ) comparing the bipolar patients with unipolar depressive patients, a control group of orthopedic patients and the standard sample of the Giessen-Test. The new dimensions "self-esteem" and "near-to-object" were developed by means of the Giessen-Test items. Self-esteem was significantly lower in bipolar patients in remission than in the controls. The bipolar patients also described themselves as "more distant to others" than the controls. Bipolar and unipolar-depressive patients had a similar self-concept and view of their partner relationships. The results underline the importance of the regulation of self-esteem and the interpersonal dimension in the long-term course of bipolar affective disorder. Therapeutic implications are discussed.
Himmighoffen
Holger
H
Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Switzerland.
Budischewski
Kai
K
Härtling
Fabian
F
Hell
Daniel
D
Böker
Heinz
H
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept