title: Recoding past experiences: a qualitative study of how patients and family members adjust to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
abstract: Few studies have investigated the processes associated with patients' reactions to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, yet assisting patients to develop an acceptance of the condition is a core component of effective psychosocial interventions. This study explored the views and experiences of patients and family members about receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and its implications for the future. We interviewed 17 people with bipolar disorder (7 diagnosed within the previous 12 months, 10 diagnosed 3-5 years ago), as well as 9 family members. Using the Phenomenology and Lived Experience framework to analyze the interview transcripts, we identified 3 key themes: (1) Misdiagnosis and growing awareness; (2) Accepting the diagnosis (including initial reactions and adjusting to the diagnosis); and (3) Factors that may have facilitated an earlier acceptance. From the findings, we draw implications for clinicians.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Black Dog Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. k.delmas@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Delmas
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Proudfoot
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Vijaya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Manicavasagar
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support