Bipolar disorder is often characterized by periods of highly creative thoughts and behaviours
Bipolar disorder (which was once called “manic depression”) is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of depression and abnormally elevated mood. Although bipolar disorder has been associated with disability and poor quality of life, it is also, for some people, associated with positive aspects of life, such as increased creativity. Over half a million Canadians have BD.
A team of researchers is planning a series of community consultation events to investigate the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity. The Collaborative RESearch Team to Study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder is a team of researchers, clinicians, and community members dedicated to developing knowledge on bipolar disorder (BD).
We speak with Erin Michalak and Eric Youngstrom, two professors who are members of the CREST.BD team.
Image: Ken Paul Rosenthal, whose film “Crooked Beauty” explores madness.