Exploring the Lived Experiences of Men with Bipolar Disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pictures Speak a Thousand Words: Using Photo-Elicitation and IPA to Explore Men's Experience of Mood Management Following a Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
IRAS ID
264657
Contact name
Robert Dempsey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Staffordshire University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe and enduring mental health condition.
Previous qualitative research indicates that receiving a BD diagnosis can impact considerably on how individuals make sense of themselves and their experiences (e.g. Goldberg, 2012; Michalak et al. 2011; 2006; Proudfoot et al. 2009; Inder et al. 2008). Those experiencing the symptoms of BD report a range of difficulties, including a perceived loss of control, persistent uncertainty and disruption, as well as hopelessness (e.g. Goldberg, 2012; Michalak et al. 2011; 2006; Proudfoot et al. 2009; Inder et al. 2008). However, it has been recognized that men's experiences are under-represented in such research (e.g. Russell & Moss, 2012; Walsh et al. 2016).
This study aims to explore the experiences of men who have been more recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. It aims to explore how men with the diagnosis make sense of what is helpful and unhelpful in their management of mood symptoms.
The study aims to recruit men (aged 18+) who have received a diagnosis of BD in the last 5 years. They will be asked to take photographs which represent their experience of managing moods following diagnosis. This will be used to guide an interview (face to face or via telephone) about their experiences of living with BD and and how they make sense of managing the mood symptoms.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0240
Date of REC Opinion
10 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion