Is There a Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity

 Is there a Connection between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity

People with Bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania, an exceptionally elevated, irritable, or energetic mood and depression. These episodes may be separate or depressed and manic symptoms may occur at the same time. The frequency of episodes varies. At least four depressive manic, hypomanic, or mixed episodes within a year of a rapidly changing mood which is known as rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

During the early stages of a manic episode, people can be very happy, productive and creative. They have less need for sleep and don’t feel tired. There is some evidence that many well known creative people were bipolar.

 Patients say that they get to the point where they can’t function and sometimes need to be hospitalized, especially if they don’t take their medication as prescribed.

In a manic episode, the person can feel like making lots of plans because the world seems full of opportunity. They may feel high, meet a lot of new friends, spend all their money, and even feel invincible. Medication can appear dull the creativity, and may be seen as a negative feeling at this point.

There something about the manic or in between episodes of bipolar disorder that can be leads to creative expression in some people.

Studies in both medical and psychology have shown some evidence for a link, but the  focus  is on well known figures or small groups of patients.

It is established that people with affective disorders tend to be represented in the creative artist community especially those with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder may carry certain rewards for creativity, especially in those who have milder symptoms.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder has been linked to gifted talents of mood disorders and it is likely that the condition has a genetic basis. 

Individuals with bipolar disorder often report that they are at their most creative and productive when having a manic episode.

 A study attempted to link the relationship between Virginia Woolf’s creativity and her mental illness, which was probably bipolar disorder 1941.

Is there a connection with creativity and mood disorders?

Researchers have proposed several reasons that could account for the link between mood disorders and creativity.

They believe that mania causes imaginative activity because the energy of manic depression drives the victims to look for outlets which often become creative expression. Also they have put forward the view that the continuous energy of the hippomanic state leads to the phenomenal and original output.

Researchers also point out that creativity and bipolar symptoms could be genetic. Studies are constantly increasing to investigate this link.   

Evidence shows many creative people as having mood disorders. Some of the most famous were: Abraham Lincoln who suffered from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Ernest Hemingway experienced depression before committing suicide. Sylvia Plath had an enduring battle with depression. She also committed suicide. Vincent Van Gogh was well known for his quick tempered character and depression. He was hospitalized in an asylum before he committed suicide. Ludwig Van Beethoven was recorded as being mentally ill with manic depression. John Keats was grappled with depression and mental illness. Winston Churchill was recorded as having manic depression and he was known for his speeches which were inspirational during the war.

What causes the creative differences in bipolar people has yet to be proven; however, evidence shows that there is a connection between bipolar disorder and creativity it is shown throughout history.