While I have described my intimate familiarity with social phobia, generalized anxiety, and major depression, I (thankfully) cannot say the same about manic-depression, or bipolar disorder. I ran upon this video from a physician describing her experience as both doctor and patient and thought I’d share. Very enlightening, Enjoy!
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Mind, Soul, and Body 
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February 18, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Kristine
Doc, isn’t “manic-depression” considered archaic? Why use that terminology?
February 18, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Doc
Yes, it is a term no longer in current medical use. I guess I used it more as a lay term. Perhaps I underestimate the lay public. I just figured as Dr. Jamison describes mania in detail in the post, perhaps the older term fit. In fact, if you watch the video, the title labels it as her thoughts on living with manic- depressive illness, although this was 2002. Perhaps we have moved on. The term Bipolar does give a clearer idea of what is going on at least for the classic type disease. Mixed states and rapid cycling add complexity to the hope of having a single clear descriptor.
February 23, 2008 at 10:05 am
pistolpete
When I was first diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Kay Redfield Jamison’s book “An Unquiet Mind” was recommended to me. She is an amazing woman who describes her experience with great clarity, even beauty. I’ve often come back to the book and found it to be a great encouragement for me in my journey through the illness.
Thanks for sharing this.
February 23, 2008 at 10:22 am
Doc
pistolpete,
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think we need to hear the stories of others if we really want to understand an illness and how it affects us. I agree, Dr. Jamison does a wonderful job humanizing Bipolar disorder in strength and dignity.
BTW, I checked you blog out, it’s great. I loved the Bob Dylan interview.