According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (2017), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), bipolar disorder refers to a category of brain disorders that cause tremendous fluctuations in one’s energy, functioning, and mood. Individuals living with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania, overactivity, and significant excitement. They also experience periods of severe depression, evident through hopelessness and feeling sad. Therefore, the term bipolar refers to fluctuations between extreme lows and extreme highs. This paper discusses the experiences of three subjects with bipolar disorder conveyed in the documentary film “Of Two Minds.”
Subjective Experiences of Bipolar Disorder Based on “Of Two Minds”
“Of Two Minds” is a soft-advocacy documentary on bipolar disorder that focuses on the personal experiences of the mental disorder. Subjects interviewed in the film revealed that the condition’s manic highs are temptingly intense. However, such highs have an immensely detrimental impact on the subjects, including incapacitating depression, hectic personal lives, and suicidal ideation (Chambers et al., 2012). The documentary follows three articulate, attractive, and intelligent individuals over three years: Cheri Keating, Carlton Davis, and Liz Spikol.
Cheri Keating is a stylist living in Los Angeles whose clients are mainly high-profile celebrities. During her interview, she revealed that bipolar has had a significant strain on her relationships and career (Chambers et al., 2012). Keating also revealed the burden of keeping her condition a secret in order to seem stable at work. Over the past thirty-five years, she has had to move to a new apartment thirty-five times. She also made the risky decision to discontinue her medication. Amid all the resulting chaos, Keating experiences a chaotic romantic relationship with Petey, an artist diagnosed with bipolar during their relationship. Her devastating childhood experiences have also taken a toll on her psychological state to the extent of numerous suicide attempts. Despite the challenges she has to endure due to her conditions, she has learned to be self-sufficient. This has had its shortcomings, including the devastating cost of treatment which is not covered by her insurer because it is a pre-existing condition.
Carlton Davis, a Pasadena-based artist, is in his mid-sixties and has been dealing with bipolar his entire life. The most apparent impact of the condition is evident in his relationships and art. Davis attributes the manifestation of his condition to his parents’ unpleasant custody battle during their divorce proceedings. The custody battle led to his kidnapping by his father and, subsequently, his mother “bought” silence. He also developed a female alter-ego, Carlotta, who constantly manifests in his real life. Davis’s successful career as an architect was brought to an end after his crack addiction took a toll on his life. He has also engaged in numerous incidents of attempted “suicide by cop.” During his recurrent depressive episode, he contemplates suicide by jumping off a freeway overpass. However, Davis’s tale is a redemptive one as, with the help of his wife he has learned to manage his condition and currently works with groups to help others with bipolar disorder.
Lastly, Liz Spikol is a journalist in her early forties living in Philadelphia. Spikol recalls experiencing episodes of extreme depression and mania for a prolonged period. The earliest episode occurred during her early twenties following a rape. Her condition had an immensely detrimental impact on her capacity to function, leaving her in the care of her parents. Today, Spikol is a successful journalist and advocate for mental health rights.
DSM-V Diagnosis Criteria
In the absence of an alternative diagnosis, DSM-5 suggests that individuals should have experienced at least one episode of hypomania or mania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Mania is evident through an expansive, irritable, or elevated mood that lasts at least a week and is present most of the day, on most days. Hypomania should present for at least four consecutive days under similar conditions. During the period, at least three symptoms suggesting usual behavior consistent with bipolar should be evident. The symptoms include a decreased need to sleep, racing thoughts, increased talkativeness, elevated grandiosity or self-esteem, increased psychomotor agitation, engaging in reckless behavior, and being easily distracted (American Psychiatric Association, 2017). One should also have experienced at least five symptoms of a major depressive episode. Such include depressed mood most of the day, decreased interest, significant weight loss, fatigue, diminished concentration, feeling worthless, recurrent suicidal ideation, and engaging in pointless movements.
Treatment Options
The main intervention alternatives for bipolar disorder include psychotherapy and medications to manage the symptoms. Numerous medications are currently used to treat the condition, with varying doses based on presenting symptoms. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium and divalproex sodium, are commonly used to manage hypomanic and manic episodes (Kato, 2019). Antipsychotics are also used during instances of persistent mania or depression that are non-responsive to treatment. Antidepressants are also used to manage depression, with anti-anxiety medications to improve sleep. The antidepressant-antipsychotic, Symbyax is also effective in treating depression and as a mood stabilizer. Psychotherapy is also an essential aspect of bipolar disorder treatment provided in individual and group settings. Some of the most common forms of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder include interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: Dsm-5. CBS Publishers & Distributors, Pvt. Ltd.
Chambers, K., & Klein, L. (2016). Of Two Minds [Video]. MadPix. YouTube. Web.
Kato, T. (2019). Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(9), 526–540. Web.