Mood disorders: diagnosis, treatment, and support from a patient perspective

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA) is the largest patient-directed, illness-specific organization in the United States, representing the millions of people living with mood disorders. Recent National DMDA surveys have shown that people with mood disorders often have incorrect information about their illnesses, that misdiagnoses are frequent, that a significant physician/patient communication gap exists, and that noncompliance is widespread. For optimal recovery to occur, it is important that individuals receive correct information about their symptoms and treatments, that physicians and other healthcare providers understand mood disorders from a patient perspective, and that doctors and patients communicate fully throughout the course of treatment about symptoms, side effects, and other concerns. National DMDA plays an important role in the management of mood disorders by urging those who are undiagnosed or untreated to seek treatment; by providing accurate, easy-to-understand information; and by facilitating support groups in which patients and their families can discuss treatment and management of their illnesses. The organization encourages patients to play active roles in their treatment plans and to attend support groups, which have been shown to increase patient compliance and decrease the incidence of psychiatric hospitalization. According to the US Surgeon General, stigma is the number one barrier to mental health care, and National DMDA's evidence supports this. National DMDA works to combat stigma with education, advocacy, and patient self-help. Increased awareness and openness about mood disorders can lead to increased acceptance, which, in turn, can lead to more timely diagnosis and treatment.