The impact of therapeutic communication on treatment adherence in patients with bipolar disorder: a scoping review protocol

Authors

  • Sónia Teixeira ESS-FP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3iSuppl.169

Keywords:

Bipolar disorder, Communication, Patient compliance, Mental health, Scoping review, Therapeutic alliance

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people live with mental disorders, with bipolar disorder accounting for high levels of disability and affecting approximately 1.6% of the global population. This condition is associated with high rates of non-adherence to treatment. Therapeutic communication, recognized as an essential tool in mental health care, may positively influence treatment adherence, yet scientific literature on this relationship remains scarce.

Objective: To map the available scientific evidence on the impact of therapeutic communication on treatment adherence in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Methodology: Scoping review following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the question: What evidence is available in the literature on the impact of therapeutic communication on treatment adherence in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder? The search will be conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE (via EBSCO), CINAHL, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases, Web of Science, as well as in gray literature. Studies published between 2021 and 2026, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, will be included. The selection of articles will follow the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR statement).

Conclusion: This scoping review will provide a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of the role of therapeutic communication in treatment adherence in bipolar disorder, supporting future research, effective clinical interventions, and person-centered practices.

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Published

15-07-2026