Essentials: The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biology, symptoms and types of bipolar disorder (sometimes called bipolar depression), a condition characterized by extreme, maladaptive shifts in energy, mood and perception. I describe the diagnostic criteria that distinguish bipolar I from bipolar II, including mania and hypomania and the different patterns of mood cycling. I discuss the remarkable history and discovery of lithium and how it works, in part by reducing inflammation, providing neuroprotection and supporting the interoceptive neural circuits affected in bipolar disorder. I also cover talk therapies, electroconvulsive therapy and nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids and inositol, and I explore the intriguing relationship between mood disorders and creativity. This episode should interest anyone who has or knows someone with bipolar disorder, as well as those interested in how the brain balances mood, energy and focus.
Articles
- Lithium salts in the treatment of psychotic excitement (The Medical Journal of Australia)
- Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Archives of General Psychiatry)
People Mentioned
- John Cade: Australian psychiatrist who discovered the therapeutic use of lithium for mania
This transcript is currently under human review and may contain errors. The fully reviewed version will be posted as soon as it is available.
Become a Huberman Lab Premium member to access full episode transcripts & more
Members also get to submit questions for AMA episodes, plus access to exclusive bonus content. A significant portion of proceeds are donated to fund human scientific research.
Become a Memberor sign in to Huberman Lab Premium
The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes.
Join 1M+ subscribers to get regular emails on neuroscience, health, and science-related tools from Dr. Andrew Huberman.
You'll also get Andrew's exclusive Daily Blueprint. In it, Andrew shares his daily routine. He also shares practical tools and protocols that you can use to stay productive and maximize your health.
