title: Out of the darkness: the impact of a mood disorder over time.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder has a significant impact on an individual's life. This paper reports data examining how patients view having had such a condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients attending the Black Dog Institute Depression Clinic were asked to complete questionnaires examining the impact of being diagnosed with a mood disorder and dealing with that condition over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient responses were analysed qualitatively (in terms of positive, negative and neutral responses) and their quantitative distribution was examined. Themes were relatively consistent across unipolar and bipolar patients. Negative themes included family and work consequences, social impairment and a loss of self-confidence. Positive themes included the development of stronger familial bonds, the provision of relief and hope, positive treatment outcomes and the explanatory benefits of receiving a diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate quite contrasting courses reported by patients with mood disorders (irrespective of polarity), ranging from negative to very positive evaluations.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia. g.parker@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hyett
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blanch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors