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Background: Serious games are play-based technologies designed to teach users a wide range of concepts and skills applicable in the non-virtual environment., Objectives: This paper describes the process of developing a serious game for people with bipolar disorder to promote symptom recognition and the safe use of medications., Methods: This study was based on the User-Centered Design methodological model and the theoretical framework for Participatory Design. We conducted interviews with health professionals and discussion circles with people with bipolar disorder and their family members in order to identify the learning needs related to symptom recognition and safe medication use. A categorical analysis was completed of the participants' reports and the scientific literature and formed the basis for the design of Mundo de Pólus., Results: The game development process had three pillars (detailed in this manuscript): missions, simulation, and journal. The serious game focuses on the users' perceptions about their experience with the disorder, their interpersonal relationships, coping strategies, use of medications, and non-pharmacological treatments., Conclusions: These scientific and technological outcomes are useful to promote literacy and safety in medication therapy for people with bipolar disorder., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: this study featured patients with affective bipolar disorder who were making use of lithium and received care at an outpatient care center located in a country town in the state of Sao Paulo in 2009; it assessed the adherence and knowledge of these patients in relation to the medication prescribed to them and verified the proportion of blood tests performed per year in the service, for each individual, to measure lithium levels in the blood., Method: descriptive study with quantitative approach, involving 36 participants. Structured interviews and review of medical records were used for data collection and descriptive statistics for data analysis., Results: difficulties in reporting the dosage of the medication prescribed and a high rate of non-adherence were identified among the participants. None of the participants in the study was submitted to two tests a year to measure lithium levels in the blood, which is the minimum proportion of tests recommended by the literature for maintenance treatment using lithium carbonate., Conclusion: this study highlights the critical factors for the promotion of patients' safety in monitoring lithium drug therapy.

This cross-sectional and descriptive study aimed to verify the adherence of patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) to medication and to identify possible causes of adherence and non-adherence to medication according to the pharmacotherapeutic profile. The study was carried out in a mental health service in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Participants included 101 patients with BAD. Structured interviews and the Morisky-Green test were used for data collection, and the Statistical Package for Social Science was employed for data analysis. Most subjects (63%) did not adhere to medication. Although there were no significant differences between the adherent and non-adherent groups for the researched variables, the use of polypharmacotherapy and complex treatment regimens was observed in treatment for BAD. In practice, implementing strategies to improve the adherence of patients to medication treatment remains a challenge.

This study aimed to verify the adherence, knowledge and the difficulties of elderly patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) in relation to the prescribed pharmacological therapy for the control of this disorder. The study included 17 elderly patients with BAD treated at a Mental Health Center. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and scales were applied. The data were analyzed using a quali-quantitative approach. A low level of adherence to the pharmacological treatment and a deficit in knowledge in relation to the medication were identified, especially regarding the dose and frequency of administration. Among the difficulties inherent to the pharmacotherapy, the obligation of polypharmacotherapy, the desire to quit the pharmacological treatment, limitations in the self-administration of the medication, collateral effects, and doubts about the need for the medication were related. Investment is needed in educational activities and in the promotion of adherence that address the difficulties experienced by elderly people with BAD in the following of the pharmacotherapy in order to ensure safety in the medication therapy.

This study was performed with an aim to understand the conditions causing the ambivalence of the person with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) regarding following the drug treatment. A qualitative approach was used, with the Grounded Theory as the methodology framework, under the light of Symbolic Interactionism. Participants were 14 individuals with BAD who were being followed at an Outpatient Clinic for Mood Disorders of a university hospital and 14 relatives they indicated. Interviews and observation were the main forms of obtaining data. Results revealed three categories that described the referred causal conditions: experiencing the crises of the disorder; needing the drug; and living with the side effects of the drugs. It was found that there is a need to change the attitude of some health professionals from blaming the patient for interrupting the treatment to one of listening, valuing their symbolic and affective universe as well as the partnership in the treatment.

Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) is a chronic disease and requires medication treatment. This study verified the adherence of people with BAD to medication and compared, among adherent and non-adherent patients, satisfaction with the health team and treatment. Twenty-one patients with BAD receiving care in a mental health unit participated in the study. The Morisky-Green test and another instrument elaborated by the researchers were used for interviews. Data were analyzed with qualitative and quantitative approaches. Results showed that the majority of patients did not adhere to the medication treatment due to 'non-intentional behavior' (negligence or forgetfulness). The majority reports satisfaction with information received regarding the medication and its effectiveness, though there were reports of collateral effects, doubts and lack of motivation to keep up the treatment. This research shows the need for strategies directed at promoting adherence to medication therapy in patients with BAD.

This study identified the barriers faced by people with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) regarding the need for continuous medication. The qualitative approach was used, and the methodological framework was based on the Grounded Theory in the light of Symbolic Interactionism. In total, of 14 people with BAD, who were being attended at the Outpatient Unit for Mood Disorders of a university hospital, and 14 relatives indicated by them participated in the study. The data collection was carried out through interviews and observation. Two categories emerged from the results, describing the barriers faced by people with BAD: to have affective and cognitive losses and to have several limitations. People with BAD feel ambivalent regarding medication adherence, as they perceive that, no matter the direction they take, it will lead to a context of prejudice, losses and limitations in various spheres of daily life.