Attitudes of patients with bipolar disorder toward the Life Chart Methodology: a phenomenological study

Background: The Dutch guideline for bipolar disorder (BD) recommends the use of the Life Chart Methodology (LCM) to help patients to monitor fluctuating mood patterns. But in practice patients show ambivalent attitudes toward this instrument.

Objective: To describe attitudes and motivations of patients with BD for (non-)using the LCM.

Design: A phenomenological study with unstructured in-depth interviews of 14 patients with BD. Patient narratives were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, analyzed, and coded inductively.

Results: The results show that despite variability in perceptions and willingness to work with the LCM, the general attitude toward this instrument was a recognized value for using the LCM. However, the emotional impact of daily mood charting was experienced as a substantial burden, particularly during the early stages of diagnosis.

Conclusion: The impact of the diagnosis of BD needs to be taken in account when introducing the instrument for the first time to a patient.