Bipolar Disorder: Representations and Reality

     In James Fallon’s book titled The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain, he spends time talking about the traits he expresses as a psychopath, but also discovers in later chapters that he has bipolar disorder, when a fellow colleague of his points out the

 possible diagnosis. Bipolar disorder, in its most basic definition, is defined as a disorder with mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic highs (it was previously called manic depression). In his book, Fallon identifies the difference between the two different types of bipolar disorder (bipolar I and bipolar II), as well as the two states of the disorder. He defines the “manic highs” specifically by the term hypomania, describing it as “a wonderfully elated state of being, in which one feels like one is being continually pumped with sunshine all the time.” It is this state of bipolar disorder that Fallon expressed to experience more than the depressive stage, which for him only lasts a few minutes at a time.

     Jamie Stiehm was a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, who also was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her sister, Meredith, is the writer and consulting producer for the show “Homeland,” and she partially bases the main character Carrie Mathison off of her observations of Jamie and bipolar disorder. The essence of the mania stage of the disorder is vividly captured in the series, and is described as being accurate by Jamie herself. Jamie describes the hypomanic state in a similar form as Fallon: “[Hypomania] precedes an episode of mania, is in fact an enhanced, alert, productive mood where one can feel exhilarated and immune to life’s dangers. I seemed to see into people’s hearts when I smiled at them. My speech sped up so much that few could understand me.” Meredith was able to capture this state perfectly through Carrie’s character in the show, and through the inclusion of this disorder, a more clear representation of a person struggling with bipolar disorder has been shared with the general public. The character of Carrie is shown as struggling with intense states of hypomania, for example when she becomes obsessive with figuring out a potential attack on the metropolitan D.C. area. The representation of hypomania through her character gives an accurate glimpse of the struggles actual people such as Jamie and Fallon must go through on a daily basis.

     Bipolar disorder can have severe effects on an individual, as was seen through Jamie when it began to affect her career, and while his consequences were less severe, it was seen in the life of Fallon as well. Representation of mental disorders in various media forms can have positive effects, as “Homeland” has for bipolar disorder. With the portrayal of the disorder in a television series that was widely popular, the public’s awareness of it has increased, thus leading to more support and resources for individuals inflicted with the mental disorder.

Sources:
Fallon, J. (2014). The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain. Penguin Group.

Stiehm, J. (2012). My So-Called Bipolar Life. Article. The New York Times. Retrieved February 25th, 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/opinion/my-so-called-bipolar-life.html