Coping styles of outpatients with a bipolar disorder.

Patients with a bipolar disorder need to cope with the problems they encounter, the consequences of their disease, and unpleasant events to stay well. This study was undertaken to gain greater insight into the coping styles of outpatients with a bipolar disorder when confronted with problems and unpleasant events. The participants (N = 157) completed the Utrecht Coping List and a questionnaire addressing various demographic and clinical characteristics. The results showed outpatients with a bipolar disorder to have a less active reaction pattern and a more avoidant coping style compared with people from the general population.