title: Regained control: a phenomenological study of the use of a relapse prevention plan by patients with a bipolar disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the lived experiences with the development and use of a relapse prevention plan by patients with a bipolar disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this phenomenological study, we conducted unstructured interviews. Colaizzi's data analysis method was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The relapse prevention plan was perceived to provide a guide for patients to regain control over their lives and develop self-management skills. Contact with relatives and the match with the professional were critical facilitating factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Professionals can draw upon the patient's experiential knowledge as an important source that guides clinical practice and decision-making.
authors.affiliation: Dimence Mental Health Care Centre, Almelo, The Netherlands; Clinical Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Thea H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Daggenvoorde
authors.forename: Peter J J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Goossens
authors.forename: Claudia J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Gamel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Bipolar disorder; lived experiences; relapse prevention plan; self-management