Bipolar disorder does not negatively impact intelligence.
They found that 12 risk genes for bipolar disorder were also linked to intelligence. In 75 % of these genes, bipolar disorder risk was associated with higher intelligence. In schizophrenia, there was also a genetic overlap with intelligence, but a higher proportion of the genes was associated with cognitive impairment.
Helpful Traits
The authors reviewed 81 studies that noted positive characteristics in patients with bipolar and found a strong association with five qualities: spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience.
People with bipolar disorder can live a good life, be happy and be successful—just like anybody else. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that some of the greatest and most creative minds have had bipolar disorder. Some of their greatest work has been done during their darkest times.
[1] It makes sense considering that when people became manic, they had more energy to use, and more ideas racing through their minds, leading to creativity. Jimi Hendrix, arguably one of the greatest rock and roll guitarists of all time, was said to be a genius in his own right. He wrote the song “Manic-Depression.”
Bipolar, he says, is both a blessing and curse. "It's mostly a gift, and sometimes it's more a curse to your family because they've got to live with it," he says. The blessing, Mr Higgins says, is that many of those living with bipolar disorder see life in far more colourful terms.
Unless their condition is causing noticeable dysfunction that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it's perfectly okay to date someone with bipolar disorder I or II. Every person you date is likely to have different strengths and needs. That same logic goes for people with mental health conditions.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
Dealing with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder can be difficult—and not just for the person with the illness. The moods and behaviors of a person with bipolar disorder affect everyone around—especially family members and close friends. It can put a strain on your relationship and disrupt all aspects of family life.
Obsessive thinking is a fairly common but rarely discussed symptom of bipolar.
There have been many famous bipolar geniuses who have overcome their disorder to achieve greatness. From Isaac Newton to Mariah Carey, many have defined themselves beyond the disorder.
Bipolar mania can speed up a person's thinking processes, and the person may feel as if they cannot get the words out fast enough to express their thoughts. A person with bipolar disorder may experience pressured speech during manic periods. These are periods of extreme highs.
Bipolar Disorder and Work Challenges
Managing bipolar at work -- with the highs of mania and the lows of depression -- is no small feat. In a survey conducted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, almost nine out of every 10 people with bipolar disorder said the illness had affected their job performance.
How many hours should someone with bipolar disorder sleep? People living with bipolar disorder should aim to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends more than seven hours per night for adults.
A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include: the breakdown of a relationship. physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
Bipolar disorder can cause a lack of empathy, but symptoms may also make it more challenging to focus on the feelings of others. While there is no medication to improve empathy, treating bipolar disorder can help. Introspection, guided emotional learning, and observing emotions in others may also help build empathy.
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
A 2017 study found that people with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder were more likely to have the traits of neuroticism, disinhibition, and aggressiveness compared to those without a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Another 2017 study also found an association between neuroticism and bipolar II disorder.
Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do. This can include focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
Unpredictable or intense mood changes define the heart of bipolar disorder. It can cause you to unwittingly withdraw from the people you love, or overly engage them. This can leave them feeling bewildered or concerned.
Without proper treatment, it is possible for these episodes to get worse over time. For example, episodes of hypomania may become episodes of full-blown mania if they are not taken seriously. For all of these reasons, people with bipolar disorder should seek help from a trained mental health professional.
Many people with BPD have a “favorite person” — this is the person they rely on. Unfortunately, while a favorite person can be a source of validation and support, these relationships can also be toxic for both parties.
Research shows that to some people it has actually become “desirable” when compared with other mood disorders. This could be because of bipolar disorder's association with creativity. For example, Charles Dickens and Beethoven are thought to have had bipolar disorder.