Bipolar Disorder — Guy Goodwin / Serious Science

Psychiatrist Guy Goodwin on the causes of bipolar disorder, why manic episodes are so dangerous and what medicines can be used to stabilise the mood.

'Bipolar disorder affects in its more severe forms about almost one in a hundred people and in its milder forms it affects another one in a hundred people. So it’s pretty common: if we know about 200 people the chances are we know at least one person with bipolar disorder. '

Guy Goodwin, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Oxford

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[JohnPChau]

It's weird to say but my experience with Bipolar is pretty similar. The longest job I've ever had is 3 years. My mania can turn into extreme paranoia and the rage is unbelievable. When I get manic it only ends with me going to the hospital after becoming so crazy I know I need help. I have so much energy. I can stay up for days at a time. Sleep maybe a few minutes here and there. It's hard to build a solid foundation. I've lost relationships because of it. I've lost my education because of it. I'm afraid I can't pursue anything because the mania will sneak up and ruin everything. Even if it lasts a week. My behavior and lasting impression changes everything. I've lost his jobs. It's hard to tell if my depression is from my illness or my outlook in life. It's hard for me to see a life of success. I'm 36 this year. I was really good in school, but none of that matters if the mania shows up. The medicine isn't perfect. I've become manic on medication three times. I feel like even being hypomanic is dangerous because of how fast I can slip into hypermania. I try to be hopeful. It's hard to see a bright future.

[judithchandler]

Lithium has proved effective for my longterm bi polar condition. Not the whole answer however. I think what I get now, after many years, is mixed states. Hardly drink now and lead a quiet life. I wondered if the pandemic would affect my condition and it has though I haven’t had much mania, thank god, but I suffered quite a major depression for a while and anxiety. That could be a situational reaction; perhaps my efforts to manage my condition have helped me get through the pandemic. I worked during one long period of remission and am very proud of running a small business for 15 years. I take in poetry readings. A life lived with care after diagnosis and with some abandon before.

[deniseunger]

My mother was bipolar and I experienced my first episode of depression when I was 24.Unfortunately due to genetics my son developed bipolar as well. It breaks my heart to see him suffer

[teshayazzie]

I was diagnosed at 15. I’ve been taking lithium on and off for years. My mania is absolute hell. I am angry and the rage scares me. It’s like I’m someone else completely. I never wanna go through it again. My lows hit me twice as hard and last twice as long as the manic episodes. Can’t move can’t pull myself out of bed. Im only capable of just existing. That’s it. Bipolar also causes memory issues. I sit in a fog more often than not. I can’t keep a job. My bipolar often gets in the way. Specifically my lows. Keeping to a ridged schedule dealing with the public when breathing is all I’m capable of doing. Lithium helps so much though. It’s helped with my depression and kept my manic episodes away. The biggest struggle I have is remembering to take it.

[MirageAtPlay]

Thanks for the info.
I had been diagnosed when 17 and life IS difficult. However, people still care for you.

Not a burden surprisingly to those around me and main earner in home.

Yet, those lows hit hard. THIS moment in life hits hard.

Knowledge is power. You gave me just a bit more strength for a moment.

Even if just for this moment.

[bubbercakes]

My bipolar disorder presents itself as depression and episodes of anger or anxiety. I wish I had the feelings of grandeur. It would be wonderful to feel great on occasion. I lost my job and my wife. Life sucks. Exercise helps but I still cannot keep a job.

[DantheDonut]

Wonderful explanation! Been dealing with Bipolar 1 since I was 19, it's been a wild ride for sure.

[nloc]

This channel is amazing!
Thank you for providing a free source of information from some of the best experts in their respective fields. Subscribed!

[witneyskye]

Mental illnesses on both sides of my family, but no one ever wants to talk about it! I have Bipolar 1, rapid cycling. Meds and same psychiatrist for 20 years. I have a first cousin on my mother's side who has Bipolar. On my father's side, I have a 1st cousin who has Bipolar and her 2 sons(my 2nd cousins) also have Bipolar. Looks particularly genetic to me.

[nityachhetri]

My brother is 17 recently diagnosed with bipolar I without any genetic links it tears me when I see him 😣

[izzyf]

Bipolar is extremely misunderstood and unrecognised by mental health professionals. It takes many years, many episodes of depression and mania to finally get diagnosis.

[tvtime]

There's hope. I have a family member with bipolar 2. He's married, long-term 10+ years and got his master's from UCLA. He see's his doctor's regularly, sticks to therapy and medication. Very stable. He also does not smoke or drink.

[shantellamend]

I have used Weedborn CBD products and have healed without any problems. Now my whole family is healthy.

[emmathompson]

I would like to see him talk about bipolar 2 disorder

[cyyoung]

WOW!! Dr. Goodwin, you are such a clear and concise teacher. I was reading about Dusty Springfield a lot lately. Britain's natonal treasure ! Do you have a professional opinion on her "demons" ? Read she did the self medication thing ...cocaine and alcohol, et.al. Eventually and proudly triumphed over the addiction. Is it possible to be a "crazy" genius.? Do you think she had a type of bipolar as they reported after her death ? Thanks for considering these questions.

[AnkurSingh-bcjd]

i have been through the mania and depression phase twice . both times it was preceded by high use of marijuana and lack of sleep

[haleytruslow]

I have the gene + many adverse childhood experiences.

I was diagnosed at 24. I am 30 now, and I am dying :( I choose partners who are emotionally unavailable. It tortures me because my emotions are so strong, and when I’m feeling suicidal, they don’t care. But I have such a strong fear of abandonment that it is difficult to leave. I don’t know what to do. I worry I might do it one day because I just truly feel so alone. I drove off last night after a fight with my boyfriend and I texted him that these fights make me feel suicidal and he didn’t even respond. It exacerbates my condition and I just don’t know how much longer I can do this

[abzlove]

Hi.. so my mother is bipolar and has been trying to get a job for yrs now.. when she finally gets it. She won't last for 1 month on it.. it has been A LOT of jobs like that..she is kinda lazy .. and Idk is it rude of me to think that now I feel like she is a patient and that she feels too comfortable in that position and blames everything on that, even her laziness ? Is it possible for a patient with this to have a job, to raise a kid, have a married life ..

[victorschaeffer]

I don't understand why klonopin was not I have bipolar disorder and I take seroquel and klonopin before going to bed and if I don't take them my brain will not shut down....

[MaxWaldron]

Psychoanalysis relies heavily on psycho education....as a therapeutic method. It's a major part of the analytic process.