By Editor Cyrena Nielsen
Since 2014, World Bipolar Day has been observed to educate and eliminate the stigma that surrounds bipolar disorder. The day shares the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh who was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With more than 6 million Americans living with it, it’s important to raise awareness to ensure those diagnosed have the support that they need to thrive.
In 1851, bipolar received its first name, “folie circulaire” or circular madness. Given by French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret, it was described as cycles of depression, mania, and dysphoric (meaning to be in both states). This would help to give future psychiatrists and neurologists a name for what their patients were experiencing. In 1952, it was added in the DSM-I as “Manic-Depression”. Finally in 1980, we got its current name “Bipolar Disorder”.
Currently, there are three diagnoses of bipolar: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymic disorder. Episodes are described as manic, depressive, and hypomanic. Mania or hypomania is described as episodes of high energy, grandiosity, and reckless behavior. Depression is episodes of lack of energy, low self-esteem, and sadly, suicidal ideation. While the cause of bipolar is still unknown, environmental and genetic factors into it.
To learn more, check out Inside Bipolar, a podcast by bipolar activist Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board-certified psychiatrist.