Am I bipolar? A good question. The psychodynamics
The overall purpose of my presentation is to play a part in facilitating an increased interest in the psychodynamic psychology of ‘bipolar’ psychosis within the ISPS community.
One of the commonest presenting issues brought by patients to psychiatrists is the question of whether they have a bipolar disorder or not.
For some this ‘diagnosis’ would be welcomed, for others it is a terrifying prospect.
Bipolar has acquired a degree of popularity and acceptability in the UK general public and much of this might be linked with very open declarations of Stephen Fry, the UK English comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and activist who seems to appear on our screens every day. He has been taking medication for his ‘bipolar’ disorder.
In this presentation, I will be summarising my findings in the approximately fifty patients I have seen in the last four year where the question of bipolarity has been central. I will present the psychodynamic features that many have in common as well as highlighting differences, focussing on those with psychotic features.
I shall also refer participants to useful reading material from the psychodynamic literature.
Individual psychodynamic therapies , Changing ISPS , Other overaching themes and conceptual issues
