Interviewing bipolar patients and their families

The authors report on the case ascertainment phase of a pedigree study of patients with bipolar affective disorder. The nature of the research interview, which necessarily probes for symptoms and signs of affective disorder, appeared to have a provocative effect on some subjects by exposing heavily defended conflicts related to the expression of affect. Although such studies are necessary, researchers must be sensitive to the needs of their subjects and not regard the ascertainment interview as benign and uncathected.