Introduction
Humanity has known the bipolar disorder since the epoch of ancient Greeks. Nevertheless, it was until the 20th century that people were able to differentiate bipolar disorder from other forms of psychiatric disorders. Berns and Nemeroff (2003) argue, “The German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin was the first to draw attention to the distinction between manic depression and schizophrenia” (p. 77). Scientists argue that there is a high correlation between bipolar disorder and creativity. They claim that a majority of people who suffer from bipolar disorder exhibit high levels of creativity. Indeed, it is argued that at least 8% of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder are creative. This paper will discuss bipolar disorder, its neurobiology, and relationship with creativity.
Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder
Medical practitioners claim that bipolar disorder may come as a result of changes in brain structure. Berns and Nemeroff (2003) maintain that particular brain injuries that occur as a result of stroke, brain tumors, and head injury lead to manic-like behavior. The study shows that the right frontal-temporal injuries cause bipolar disorder. Changes in brain function also cause bipolar disorder. Changes in brain functions are apparent at various echelons in the nervous system (Berns & Nemeroff, 2003). Individuals with lower cortical metabolisms are likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. Changes in brain chemistry may result in bipolar disorder. Individuals that suffer from bipolar disorder record the small level of varied neuroregulators in their brains. Changes in phospholipids metabolism cause bipolar disorder. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suffering from bipolar disorder has low levels of norepinephrine, which is a major neurotransmitter.
Relationship between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity
Creativity is highly associated with bipolar disorder. Murray and Johnson (2010) argue that at least 8.2% of persons that engage in creative professions like musical composition and architecture have had encounters of bipolar disorder. In the United States, cases of bipolar disorder are prevalent among persons that engage in creative professions like writing, painting, and lighting design. Murray and Johnson (2010) hold that there is a significant connection between hypomanic behaviors and penchant for new and composite figures. According to Murray and Johnson (2010), the correlation between creativity and bipolar disorder comes as a result of “partly shared substrate in personality traits and cognitive-affective processes” (p. 724). Murray and Johnson (2010) argue that three significant characteristics of the creative process are prevalent in bipolar disorder. The characteristics are fluency of association, positive affect, and utilization of mental imagery. Bipolar behaviors are related to divergent thinking. On the other hand, incidents of mania are related to tangible signs of overinclusiveness. Murray and Johnson (2010) claim that dependence on mental imagery is a clinically-significant characteristic of bipolar disorder. Persons with bipolar disorder and those that are vulnerable to the disease experience sharp positive affectivity.
Murray and Johnson (2010) allege that creative individuals differ from other people since they are open to experience, risk taking, exploration and tolerate ambiguity. These traits make them experience, understand and see many things. Nevertheless, the traits subject them to suffering and make them experience dark moods. Murray and Johnson (2010) claim, “A creative person, find the order and structure that others find comforting as inhibiting and even suffocating” (p. 728). As a result, they feel the urge to confront principles and norms, get rid of the certainty of clear definitions, and venture into a wealthy and more nuanced ‘borderless grey’. Creative individuals enjoy a state of autonomy that plunge them into intense concentration similar to hypomanic episodes.
Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar Disorder
The cyclical nature of bipolar disorder makes it hard for medical practitioners to diagnose the patients. According to Romans and McKean (2014), it takes at least ten years to diagnose a person suffering from bipolar disorder in the United States. The mild symptoms of bipolar disorder contribute to this delay. Therefore, it is imperative to encourage individuals that exhibit symptoms of bipolar disorder to see a psychiatrist. According to Romans and McKean (2014), it is hard to diagnose bipolar disorder among the children as they exhibit mood swings. The only person that can diagnose bipolar disorder effectively is a psychiatrist. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder may exhibit manic depressions. Additionally, the patients may be alcoholic or have a record of interrupted and tricky conditions like multiple relationships.
The management of persons suffering from bipolar disorder is a concerted effort among the psychiatrist, family members, and general practitioners. The therapist helps to formulate daily routines that may assist the patient to minimize the chances of experiencing mood swings. On the other hand, the general practitioners prescribe antidepressant drugs and liaise with family members to ensure that the patients follow the treatment procedures as expected (Romans & McKean, 2014). The family members serve as the link between the patient and the psychiatrist and between the patient and the general practitioners. They assist the patient to implement the treatment procedures that the general practitioner or psychiatrist issues.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder may come as a result of changes in brain structure. Additionally, it may occur as a result of alterations in brain chemistry. Medical practitioners allege that individuals that engage in creative professions are likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. Doctors are unable to diagnose bipolar disorder as early as possible due to its cyclic nature. The management of bipolar disorder calls for a concerted effort among the psychiatrist, family members and general practitioners.
Annotated Bibliography
Berns, G., & Nemeroff, C. (2003). The neurobiology of bipolar disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 123(1), 76-84.
There is a correlation between bipolar disorder and changes in the functions of the central nervous system. Advances in neurobiology indicate that the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder hails from brains. According to neurobiology, changes in brain structure lead to bipolar disorder. Brain injuries that come as a result of stroke or head injury cause bipolar disorder. Apart from changes in brain structure, other factors like changes in brain function and neuroendocrine changes lead to bipolar disorder. The present study indicates that changes in signal transduction that echoes both extra- and intracellularly generates the signs of bipolar disorder.
Murray, G., & Johnson, S. (2010). The clinical significance of creativity in bipolar disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(1), 721-732.
Literature suggests that there is a correlation between creativity and bipolar disorder. The literature identifies numerous domains of creativity that are related to the bipolar disease. Besides, study shows that individuals that engage in professions that demand a high level of creativity are likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. The modal character trait in bipolar disorder seems to be in coherent with artistic pursuit and creativity. Creative persons are tolerant to risk taking and explorations. Hence, they are prone to suffering, and hence mood swings.
Romans, S., & McKean, A. (2014). Bipolar disorder: Identifying and supporting patients in primary care. Best Practice Journal, 62(1), 6-14.
The cyclic temperament of bipolar disorder makes it hard to diagnose and manage. Medical practitioners regard signs of bipolar disorder as persistent depression until they spot the first case of hypomania. Mostly, psychiatrists are best in diagnosing bipolar disorder. Family members, general practitioners and psychiatrists have a role to play in the management of bipolar disorder. The general practitioners prescribe mood-stabilizing drugs like valproate and lithium to patients suffering from bipolar disorder. The family members ensure that the patient observes the doctor’s instructions.
References
Berns, G., & Nemeroff, C. (2003). The neurobiology of bipolar disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 123(1), 76-84.
Murray, G., & Johnson, S. (2010). The clinical significance of creativity in bipolar disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(1), 721-732.
Romans, S., & McKean, A. (2014). Bipolar disorder: Identifying and supporting patients in primary care. Best Practice Journal, 62(1), 6-14.