Depressive and manic symptoms are not opposite poles in bipolar disorder.

摘要: For the past 100 years, models of bipolar disorder have assumed that depression and mania are opposite ends a single continuum. Even name “bipolar disorder” implies dimension. This unidimensional model has shaped search for aetiological variables. example, one theory been manic episodes relate to an over-sensitivity dopamine system (1), whereas depressive low function (2). Similarly, researchers argued might reflect over-activity behavioural approach system, could under-activity (3). Hence, both diagnostic nomenclature research. Despite influence this model, relatively few studies tested its core assumption – symptoms inversely related. Several examined relationship between in cross-sectional designs. In those studies, factor analyses failed support suggesting independent (4–6). Cross-sectional though, cannot disentangle person’s relative propensity towards from over time. A better would be test whether negatively related time within persons. That is, if holds, expect when person is experiencing symptoms, they should less likely experience vice versa. Although some assessed longitudinally (7–9), such not two poles model.