Many people know the term “bipolar disorder,” but few understand what mania actually looks like, how depression presents, or why recognizing the warning signs can be so difficult.
In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with ADAA member expert Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD. Dr. Cohen is a psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School professor, and former president and psychiatrist-in-chief of McLean Hospital. Together, they break down the realities of bipolar disorder, including the differences between bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.
Listeners will learn:
- how some risk-taking behaviors could be warning signs
- how distinguishing bipolar from personality traits requires careful evaluation
- how caregivers need support and self-care to be effective
They also tackle an important question: When is someone simply energetic, dramatic, or outgoing — and when could those traits point to a mental health condition? Using real-world examples and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Cohen explains how mental health professionals distinguish personality from illness.
If you’ve ever wondered what bipolar disorder really looks like — or how to help someone who may be struggling — this episode is for you.
Thank you to McLean Hospital for providing educational support for this episode.
