Author: Charles Frank

Are there Benefits to having Bipolar Disorder?

Girls and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have childbearing potential should not use valproate. Lithium and carbamazepine also need to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding whenever possible. Another place to look are organizations that specialize in bipolar disorder, such as International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), and International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF). These organizations have listings of local providers who specialize in bipolar disorder.

Help for Mental Illnesses

Understanding the relationship between positive traits and bipolar disorder may thus provide insight into the mechanisms of illness, which may someday lead to novel therapeutic targets. Receiving the right diagnosis and treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and active lives. The health care provider can complete a physical exam and other necessary medical tests to rule out other possible causes. The health care provider may then conduct a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. The clinical overlap between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is also represented, as are the characteristics unique to each disorder.

“Are there Benefits to having Bipolar Disorder?”

Interestingly, this association between creativity and schizotypal traits is also observed in bipolar patients, who score higher than controls on several measures of schizotypy 116,125,126. Several of the personality traits discussed above with relationships to creativity, namely, neuroticism, openness, and cyclothymic temperament, are correlated with positive schizotypal traits 127,128,129. Openness also demonstrated high sibling correlations in a study of multigenerational SZ families, as well as high heritability 130. Recent studies have made significant progress in defining the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity. These studies highlight the need to examine multiple dimensions of personality, mood, and cognition to fully understand concepts relating to positive traits within the context of creativity and illness.

Coping with bipolar disorder

Inspired by his clinical work with exceptionally creative individuals, Dr. Ketter has developed a strong interest in the relationship of creativity and mood disorders. He shared the latest research trying to figure out why the link between bipolar and creativity is so strong. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania or hypomania and depression. These mood swings can significantly impact a person’s energy levels, behavior, and overall functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

Adults with bipolar disorder who are in complete remission (no symptoms) usually need to continue with mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medicines for at least six months. Those experiencing multiple episodes of mania and depression will usually require longer-term treatment to minimize relapses. Julie A. Fast uses her extensive research and personal experience to offer strategies for managing bipolar disorder.

  1. In the early stages or “lower levels” of hypomania, he says, students find themselves more productive than usual.
  2. If you’re taking medicine to treat your bipolar disorder and think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare professional right away.
  3. They serve to promote hope and to support the autonomy, personal empowerment and social inclusion of people with bipolar disorder.
  4. Moreover, it can offer both you and your family educational support and ongoing treatment guidance as you navigate the condition.

The ability to deeply understand and relate to others’ experiences can foster strong interpersonal relationships and contribute to success in various aspects of life. Recovery-oriented psychosocial interventions include supported employment, supported housing, peer support, and social and life skills training. They serve to promote hope and to support the autonomy, personal empowerment and social inclusion of people with bipolar disorder. Both manic and depressive episodes can cause significant difficulties in all aspects of life, including at home, work and school. They may require specialized care to prevent the person from doing harm to themselves or others. Peer-to-peer support is a powerful way for people with bipolar disorder to connect to others who live with similar challenges.

Nobody else had begun to develop processes yet, but they saw working on “how” to create such outcomes as the next step. Dr. Ketter had a wise observation that part of the “how” includes doctors getting out of the way and allowing it to happen. He suggested that there needs to be a fine balance between allowing patients to explore such states and ensuring it is done safely. Many successful entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators with bipolar disorder have harnessed this heightened energy to fuel their ambitions and achieve remarkable goals.

Strengths of Bipolar Disorder: Ambition and Creative Drive

The most common types of medications that health care providers prescribe include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate can help prevent mood episodes or reduce their severity. Health care providers may include medications that target sleep or anxiety as part of the treatment plan. In addition to medication, various forms of therapy can be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy are among the evidence-based approaches that can help individuals develop coping skills, improve relationships, and maintain stability. During hypomanic or manic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder often experience a surge in energy levels and motivation.

Dr. Greenwood reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. It’s increasingly common for someone to be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism as an adult. A diagnosis often brings relief, but it can also come with as many questions as answers.