The Doctor Is In: Bipolar Disorder

[tracy_d74]

I am so Over-The-Moon-Happy that two people asked me about Bipolar Disorder (formally known as Manic Depression). I believe this disorder is one of the hardest to diagnose AND is on my list of Top Ten Misdiagnosed. In a nutshell, persons who live with bipolar disorder experience a cycle (mania and depression) in their mood. This is not to be

Comments

[bogwitch64]

Still trying to figure out the boy. The more time passes, the more I'm thinking no, but it's always there...lurking. I suppose time will tell.

[tracy_d74]

Yes, time will tell. The cycles can have large gaps between them. Rapid cycle is considered to be four cycles in a year. Most have one or two in a year. Time. It's all about time. I hope it is something else, something easier to manage and get control over. I hope it is was just a blip on the screen. Time...

[kimberlywade]

I've read that book, fascinating. I currently have a library hold on Sybil Exposed. Have you heard of it? Multiple personality disorder a hoax? Do you have an opinion on that? I read a book a few years back by a China expert who discribed his MPD and it was completely convincing. Thanks for the post.

[tracy_d74]

I have not read Sybil or Sybil Exposed. I personally have never worked with someone with MPD, which is now called Dissociative Identity Disorder. I only know what I learned in school. I don't know that I have enough information on the disorder to have an opinion one way or the other. I'd have to look at research and case notes and blah blah blah to come to an opinion. I am not likely to do that. I have other disorders that I see on a regular basis that keep me plenty busy. Ah, the life of a psychologist... :-D

[edgyauthor]

Great post! I've read up on bipolar disorder in the past, but am always looking to learn more about it for some of my characters, so I loved seeing your thoughts on it. I've never heard of An Unquiet Mind before, but I'm definitely interested in checking it out now....

[tracy_d74]

Well, if you ever do a mental health disorder in your books and want a professional to run ideas by, I am happy to help. Like I said, often times bipolar is presented as someone who is moody...it's more than that as you can see. There is a constellation of behaviors and a pattern to them.

Thank you for asking about it. I love talking psychology. :D

[edgyauthor]

I may have to take you up on that sometime. I'm always second-guessing myself, and I'd hate to portray something like this incorrectly!

[anabelgonzalez]

thank you so much for this post! It cleared up a lot of things for me. I will read the book.
Although I think it would be hard to have an MC bipolar and make it believable.Many people aren't really informed of what this is and it will lead to a lot of explanations. I think, but still it's fascinating.

[tracy_d74]

You are welcome. Thank you for asking about it.

The book I suggested is nonfiction. But yes, it would be hard to have a MC with bipolar. It could be done. The hard part would be writing the depression, unless you go for the more severe and have the person attempt suicide and then show all the events that occur after the attempt. You would have to know the disorder well. It would definitely be a book geared for contemporary YA...in line with Laurie Halse Anderson (Wintergirls) or Alex Finn's (Beastly) early work (Breathing Underwater).

The mom in The Collector had bipolar. Of course, she was not a MC.

[ext_314784]

That is really interesting! I had no idea that bipolar disorder had such big cycles. I was under the impression that bipolar disorder was when they were manic in the morning and depressed by the afternoon. Wow, learn something new everyday!

[tracy_d74]

Yep...what you believed is what most believe...that's why it is one of the most misdiagnosed/misunderstood.

When I see someone with rapid mood shifts, I suspect a trauma history or anxiety disorder or personality disorder.