Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].
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.
Some individuals with bipolar see a link between their diagnosis and their high achievement—sometimes as a result of hypomania's enhanced energy and creativity levels and sometimes because of the degree of focus and self-management required to address symptoms and prevent or cope with mood swings.
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.
Bipolar disorder is linked to a specific kind of intelligence. The connection between intelligence and bipolar disorder is largely seen in those with high verbal IQ (VIQ). ¹ This type of intelligence is associated with creativity, abstract reasoning, and comprehension through spoken and written words.
[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 patients show lack of emotional intelligence when compared with general population. Cognitive impairment and age are the principal factors related.
Bipolar Disorder and Creativity: “Madness versus Genius”
Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, poets like Walt Whitman and Sylvia Plath, and composers like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky all reportedly having struggled under the burden of illness [19].
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.
For someone with this type of BPD relationship, a “favorite person” is someone they rely on for comfort, happiness, and validation. The relationship with a BPD favorite person may start healthy, but it can often turn into a toxic love-hate cycle known as idealization and devaluation.
During an episode of mania, you could find yourself purchasing a lot of new items and not putting them away once you get home. These are just two examples that may represent how bipolar disorder can sometimes lead to “messiness” or disorganization.
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.
Because mood disorders like bipolar change the person's state of mind, they affect thinking patterns of decision-making that are typically based on rational thought processes. Someone with a depressed mood thinks differently than someone who is simply sad.
Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.
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.
Who is at risk of bipolar disorder? More than 10 million Americans have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes. Although men and women appear to be equally affected by bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is seen more often in women.
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.
Bipolar and Infidelity: What's the Truth? Here's the truth about bipolar and infidelity: being bipolar doesn't mean you will be unfaithful to your partner, but it does make infidelity more likely, according to statistics.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes. A teen that's experiencing mania may: Be euphoric or act immature for their age.
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.
Bipolar Anger & Rage
They may be jealous that others in their life do not have to take medication or undergo certain precautions. Friends and family may not understand the person, making them feel more alone and discouraged, even developing abandonment issues.