The predictive effect of impulsivity and coping skills on quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder.

UNLABELLED: Aim To determine the predictive effects of impulsivity and coping skills on quality of life in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. METHODS: This descriptive study included 128 outpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteria who were in the euthymic phase and receiving outpatient treatment in southeastern Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 Short Form (BIS-11-SF), the Coping Attitudes Evaluation Scale (COPE-R), and the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder Scale-Brief Form (Brief QoL.BD). RESULTS: The mean BIS-11-SF total score was 32.61 ± 10.10, COPE-R total score 82.65 ± 8.65, and Brief QoL.BD score 39.98 ± 8.54. Brief QoL.BD scores showed significant negative correlations with all BIS-11-SF subscales and total score (p < 0.01), and positive correlations with COPE-R total, Self-help, Approach, and Accommodation subscales (p < 0.01), while negative correlations were found with Avoidance and Self-punishment (p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that impulsivity accounted for 12.4% (R = 0.352, R2 = 0.124) and coping level for 7% (R = 0.267, R2 = 0.071) of the variance in quality of life. Both variables significantly predicted quality of life (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Quality of life in bipolar disorder is influenced by impulsivity and coping skills. Evaluating these factors and implementing interventions to lower impulsivity and strengthen coping abilities may enhance quality of life.