Author Archives: JmaC

Just as the manic aspect of bipolar disorder is associated with manic episodes, the depressive aspect of bipolar disorder is likewise associated with depressive episodes. The severe form of depressive episode is known as a Major Depressive Episode. Major depressive … Continue reading →

Not everyone who becomes manic experiences the full-blown syndrome of a manic episode. Hypomanic individuals show an expansive, energized and sometimes elated mood, with rapid thinking and pressured speaking in evidence. At a minimum (for the label hypomania to be … Continue reading →

Although popular culture tends to equate mania with happiness and depression with sadness this isn’t really the best way to think about what is happening in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder involves not so much a swing between happy and sad … Continue reading →

The above-mentioned symptom of “significant distress” is an important diagnostic indicator for all mental disorders. Ordinarily, when someone has a mental disorder they are able to recognize their difficulties and can identify their symptoms of discomfort. Their symptoms cause them … Continue reading →

Now that we have a better understanding of what is meant by “personality,” let’s return to the original question. What is a personality disorder? Many psychologists and mental health professionals have struggled with how to define a “disordered” personality, as … Continue reading →

In psychological parlance, “personality” refers to a person’s unique and enduring pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving.  When viewed in this manner it becomes evident that “personality” encompasses nearly every aspect of human experience.  Subsequently, our personalities have the potential … Continue reading →