The idea that people with severe mental illness should be able to plan in advance for periods of illness as a means of enhancing autonomy has been long debated and is increasingly being enshrined in codes of practice and mental health legislation. It has been argued that the ethical imperative for this is especially pronounced in bipolar, a condition in which those living with the condition often experience episodic crises interspersed with periods of wellness. However, there is a paucity of published research investigating experiences of advance decision making (ADM) in people with bipolar disorder or their attitudes towards it.

An online survey of Bipolar UK's mailing list was conducted. 932 people with bipolar disorder completed the survey (response rate 5.61%). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted to compare experience of with attitudes towards ADM and variables associated with interest in ADM.

You can see the findings of the survey here.

Please also see more information on writing a mental health advance statement 

and our leaflet providing information on writing an advance choice document.