Thomas Richardson and Warren Mansell

Background: 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that can be characterised by periods of increased energy pressure of speech, the need for reduced sleep, and episodes of depression. This study explores the idea of multiple bipolar models that suggest that specific appraisals can lead to an increase in manic symptoms over time. 

Aims: 

This study aimed to test the appraisal of being “high” as a part of a person’s personality, which would increase manic symptoms over four months. This was done by measuring the manic symptoms at the beginning of the study. 

Method:      

This study used existing data from a survey of people with bipolar disorder who struggled with financial difficulties over a four-month period where they had to complete a survey at two-time points. Participants were given three separate measures that would look at their manic symptoms over the past week, a measure that looked at the appraisals of their internal states and an additional question created by the author, which was “To what extent do you feel like being high was a part of your personality”.

Results:

This study found that at the beginning of the study, there was not a strong relationship between the belief of being high as a natural part of one’s personality and higher manic symptoms at baseline. However, when the manic symptoms were assessed for the second time, the relationship was stronger, and this maintained stability over time. This suggests that the belief of being “high” may not be a consequence of elevated mood, but it may be involved in elevating mood over time. These findings have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder, as they suggest that certain personality beliefs may contribute to the progression of manic symptoms, and this can help to implement strategies to help target these beliefs.