History of Bipolar Disorder

According to healthline.com, Artaeus of Cappadocia detailed symptoms of manic depression, now called bipolar disorder, in Greece during the 1st Century. The ancient Greeks and Romans were responsible for the terms "mania" and "melancholia". They used Lithium salts in the baths of manic people to calm them, and in those of depressed people to raise their moods. Today, Lithium is the go-to drug for treating bipolar patients.

Sadly, during this time, many people with bipolar disorder were executed because of the belief they were possessed by demons.

In the 17th Century, Theophilus Bonet published Sepuchretum, where he linked mania and melancholy in a condition called "manico-melancolicus." Until this point mania and depression were mainly thought to be two separate disorders.

The first specific documented diagnosis of bipolar disorder didn't come until 1851, when psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret published an article detailing patients switching from severe depression to mania. He also noted a genetic connection, which is still believed today.

A classification system for mental disorders began in the early 1950s by psychiatrist Karl Leonard, to name one.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) first used the term "bipolar" in 1980.

About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder, says the Canadian Mental Health Association. Medication and possibly therapy can help those with bipolar disorder to lead healthy, productive lives. Stigma, resulting in shame, often dissuades those suffering from seeking help.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.