AND THERE WAS DIAGNOSIS: A PSYCHOANALYTIC INQUIRY INTO INDIVIDUALS’ INTERPRETATIONS OF THEIR BIPOLAR DISORDER DIAGNOSIS

Date

2025-12-18

Author

Manka, Meriç

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The present study examines individuals’ interpretations regarding their bipolar disorder diagnosis, and the function of this diagnosis for the individuals from a psychoanalytic point of view. In this respect, the research question of the study was constructed as “How do individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder interpret this diagnosis?”. A qualitative research method was adopted in the study, and the data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six individuals who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As a result of the analysis, five main themes were identified, which can be demonstrated as “I Can See Clearly Now: The Diagnosis as an Identity”, “Surrender Your Guilt Be Free: Being Diagnosed and Being Relieved from Responsibility”, “With or Without You: Experiences Before and After the Diagnosis”, “To Be or Not to Be Recognized, That Is the Question”, “Mirror Mirror on the Other”. The findings of the study were discussed in the light of psychoanalytic theory and literature.

Subject Keywords

Bipolar Disorder, Diagnosis, Lacanian Psychoanalysis, Qualitative Research, Thematic Analysis

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/117403

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis