The History of Bipolar Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. The periods of depression and mania may last just a few days or months. Untreated bipolar disorder can be very serious and may even lead to suicide. However, the prognosis is good for individuals who get treatment for bipolar disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, bipolar disorder may also be referred to as manic-depressive illness or manic depression.

First Mention in Historical Documents

• According to Caregiver.com, symptoms associated with bipolar disorder were first discussed by Aretaeus of Cappadocia during the second century.

First Book about Bipolar Disorder

• Scientist Richard Burton wrote a book titled "The Anatomy or Melancholia" in 1650 that mainly focused on the depression part of bipolar disorder.

Link Between Depression and Suicide Established

• Jules Falret conducted psychological studies that indicated that depression may lead to suicide. He also was able to differentiate between episodes of depression and mania. In 1875, his studies were used to create the term manic-depressive psychosis, which would later be called bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Classification

• Francois Baillarger conducted research and studies that helped differentiate bipolar disorder from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses so that bipolar disorder could have its own mental disorder classification. Later in 1913, Emil Krapelin coined the term manic-depressive after studying the disorder.

Genetic Links

• Jules Falret was the first to suggest that bipolar disorder runs thorough families. Later, in 1952, "The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders" published an article asserting that bipolar disorder was passed down through families.

DSM-III

• The term bipolar disorder officially took the place of manic-depressive disorder in 1980. It is now listed in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (APA)."