Bipolar Disorder Lived Experience Survey

In 2018, SPARC and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance developed a survey for people with depression and bipolar disorder (BD) to ensure that their definition of wellness was central to guide future research. Over 6,000 participants shared how their symptoms began, their impact on daily life, and how research would improve their priorities of being independent and leading meaningful lives.

The survey also highlighted treatment gaps and research priorities. Findings reveal that many individuals experience both depressive and bipolar symptoms, an experience that is not often recognized in research and the clinic. Additionally, exclusion of youth groups from research studies risks missing a critical intervention window, with growing evidence of early onset linked to severe outcomes. Lastly, lived experience perspectives continue to be undervalued in traditional research approaches. Addressing these gaps will better support people with BD.