Bipolar Spectrum: A Review of the Concept and a Vision for the Future.
- Author:
S Nassir GHAEMI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. nghaemi@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Bipolar spectrum;
Leonhard;
Kraepelin;
DSM-5;
Mixed;
Koukopoulos;
Akiskal
- MeSH:
Bipolar Disorder;
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;
Genetic Diseases, X-Linked
- From:Psychiatry Investigation
2013;10(3):218-224
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This paper reviews the bipolar spectrum concept historically and empirically. It describes how the concept derives from Kraepelin, but was lost with DSM-III, which divided the broad manic-depressive illness concept, based on recurrent mood episodes of either polarity, to the bipolar versus unipolar dichotomy, based on allowing non-recurrent mood episodes of only one polarity. This approach followed the views of Karl Leonhard and other critics of Kraepelin. Thus post DSM-III American psychiatry is not neo-Kraepelinian, as many claim, but neo-Leonhardian. The bipolar spectrum approach, as advocated by Akiskal and Koukopoulos first, harkens back to the original broad Kraepelinian view of manic-depressive illness. The evidence for and against this approach is discussed, and common misconceptions, including mistaken claims that borderline personality is similar, are revealed and critiqued.
