What is the relationship between bipolar disorder and neurodiversity? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about the relationship between bipolar disorder BD and neurodiversityMedically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022Neurodiversity is a concept used to reframe how people think about “atypical” brain functions and structures, with a focus on celebrating and destigmatizing variation. Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental health condition associated with shifts in mood and energy levels and other symptoms. A person with BD may experience episodes of mania or elevated mood, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes with manic and depressive symptoms. The exact cause of BD is unknown, but functional and structural brain variations may be a factor, which could mean it fits the category of a neurodiverse condition. This article reviews neurodiversity and BD and how the two relate to each other. What is neurodiversity Share on PinterestKlaus Vedfelt/Getty ImagesNeurodiversity is a scientific concept centered on the idea that neurological conditions, such as autism, dyslexia, and others, are not the result of “issues” with the brain. Instead, proponents of this view state that differences in the brain represent normal variations in how it functions. In other words, neurodiversity takes a more positive approach to neurodevelopmental conditions. Rather than focusing on challenges neurodiverse people may experience, this concept emphasizes the strengths and talents of individuals with these variations. Judy Singer first used the term “neurodivergent” in the 1990s. As an autistic woman, she wanted the world to view autistic people not as having a disability but rather as having a unique way of viewing and interacting with the world. Since its first use, people have applied the term to several neurological conditions. Others may refer to people with variations in brain functioning as being neurodivergent. Similarly, they may refer to people whose brains function according to “typical” standards of society as “neurotypical.” In highlighting the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, another goal is to use the wide variation that exists across society to help increase productivity and innovation. Learn more about the terms “neurotypical” and “neurodiverse.” Is BD a type of neurodivergence To answer the question of whether bipolar is a type of neurodivergence requires an understanding of each. Neurodivergence covers a wide variety of “disorders” that result from differences in brain functioning or structure from what doctors generally consider typical. Advocates for understanding neurodiversity aim to transform people’s view of these variations from one of negativity, in which they may focus on challenges neurodiverse individuals may experience, to instead focus on the strengths people may associate with these variations. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists over 400 neurological “disorders,” including autism and dyslexia. Bipolar does not appear on this list. However, the author of an article in the AMA Journal of Ethics noted BD as a neurologic disorder alongside autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They also pointed out that people with BD showed greater creativity and novelty-seeking than the control groups in several older studies. The inclusion of bipolar as a neurodivergence may be due to the current understanding of its causes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, experts suspect it may result from a combination of factors, including genetics and brain function and structure. Since BD may be the result of functional and structural variations in the brain, it is possible that it fits the description of neurodivergence or diversity. Organizations such as the International Bipolar Foundation have also referred to BD as a neurodiverse condition, pointing out its impact on a person’s identity. Learn more about the link between bipolar and creativity. BD and neurodivergence BD may be a type of neurodivergence since differences in brain functioning and structure may be a potential cause of the condition. As a result, a person with bipolar could identify as neurodivergent. Having BD can also increase the likelihood of a person developing or having other mental health or neurodivergent conditions. These may include:post-traumatic stress disorderADHDanxietysubstance misuse disorder Sometimes, a person may receive a misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder or psychosis due to similarities in symptoms and signs. People with more than one condition should speak with their doctor about the best treatment options, as some medications used to treat other conditions can trigger manic episodes. Outlook Living with BD can be challenging. Approaching the condition as a neurodivergence rather than a disability may be helpful for some in getting a better handle on their treatment and honing in on their strengths. Long-term treatment can often help, even for people with more severe forms of the condition. Treatments can include psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of these approaches. In cases where these are unsuccessful, a doctor may recommend other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy. A person may also find that lifestyle and habit changes help with symptoms. This can include eating a healthy diet and exercising. With appropriate treatment, a person with BD can have a high quality of life. Summary Some may classify bipolar disorder as a type of neurodiverse condition. These conditions result from differences in how a person’s brain functions or is structured from what doctors generally consider typical. While this classification may help a person focus on the positive aspects of the diagnosis, it does not necessarily mean any serious changes to treatment are necessary. Whether a person identifies as being neurodiverse or not, they should continue to work with their doctors and therapists to ensure continued success with their treatment. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022AutismBipolarNeurology / Neuroscience 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Armstrong, T. (2015). The myth of the normal brain: Embracing neurodiversity. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/myth-normal-brain-embracing-neurodiversity/2015-04Bipolar disorder. (2017). https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-DisorderBipolar disorder. (2020). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorderIdentity and neurodiversity. (n.d.). https://ibpf.org/identity-and-neurodiversity/Morin, A. (n.d.). What is neurodiversity? https://www.understood.org/en/articles/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-knowNeurological diseases & disorders A-Z from NINDS. (n.d.). https://www.brainfacts.org/diseases-and-disorders/neurological-disorders-azStandford neurodiversity project. (n.d.). https://med.stanford.edu/neurodiversity.htmlWhat is neurodiversity? Definition and resources for teachers, counselors and schools. (n.d.).https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about the relationship between bipolar disorder and addictionMedically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC Bipolar Disorder (BD) and substance use disorder (SUD) often occur together. Research suggests genetics, brain structure, and self-medication may be…READ MOREWhat are the similarities and differences between DMDD and bipolar disorder?Medically reviewed by Akilah Reynolds, PhD Learn about the symptoms and treatments of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and how the two conditions compare.READ MOREHow can bipolar disorder affect relationships?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Bipolar disorder causes alterations in mood, leading to depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes. These changes in mood can sometimes put stress on…READ MORE