1
Of Two Minds: The Subjective Experience of Bipolar Disorder
Student Name
University
Course
Professor Name
Date
2
Of Two Minds: The Subjective Experience of Bipolar Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (2017), Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), bipolar disorder refers to a category of brain disorders that
cause tremendous fluctuations in one’s energy, functioning, and mood. Individuals living with bipolar
disorder experience periods of mania, overactivity, and significant excitement. They also experience
periods of severe depression, evident through hopelessness and feeling sad. Therefore, the term
bipolar refers to fluctuations between extreme lows and extreme highs. This paper discusses the
experiences of three subjects with bipolar disorder conveyed in the documentary film “Of Two
Minds.”
Subjective Experiences of Bipolar Disorder Based on “Of Two Minds”
“Of Two Minds” is a soft-advocacy documentary on bipolar disorder that focuses on the
personal experiences of the mental disorder. Subjects interviewed in the film revealed that the
condition’s manic highs are temptingly intense. However, such highs have an immensely detrimental
impact on the subjects, including incapacitating depression, hectic personal lives, and suicidal ideation
(Chambers et al., 2012). The documentary follows three articulate, attractive, and intelligent
individuals over three years: Cheri Keating, Carlton Davis, and Liz Spikol.
Cheri Keating is a stylist living in Los Angeles whose clients are mainly high-profile
celebrities. During her interview, she revealed that bipolar has had a significant strain on her
relationships and career (Chambers et al., 2012). Keating also revealed the burden of keeping her
condition a secret in order to seem stable at work. Over the past thirty-five years, she has had to move
to a new apartment thirty-five times. She also made the risky decision to discontinue her medication.
Amid all the resulting chaos, Keating experiences a chaotic romantic relationship with Petey, an artist
diagnosed with bipolar during their relationship. Her devastating childhood experiences have also
3
taken a toll on her psychological state to the extent of numerous suicide attempts. Despite the
challenges she has to endure due to her conditions, she has learned to be self-sufficient. This has had
its shortcomings, including the devastating cost of treatment which is not covered by her insurer
because it is a pre-existing condition.
Carlton Davis, a Pasadena-based artist, is in his mid-sixties and has been dealing with bipolar
his entire life. The most apparent impact of the condition is evident in his relationships and art. Davis
attributes the manifestation of his condition to his parents’ unpleasant custody battle during their
divorce proceedings. The custody battle led to his kidnapping by his father and, subsequently, his
mother “bought” silence. He also developed a female alter-ego, Carlotta, who constantly manifests in
his real life. Davis’s successful career as an architect was brought to an end after his crack addiction
took a toll on his life. He has also engaged in numerous incidents of attempted “suicide by cop.”
During his recurrent depressive episode, he contemplates suicide by jumping off a freeway overpass.
However, Davis’s tale is a redemptive one as, with the help of his wife he has learned to manage his
condition and currently works with groups to help others with bipolar disorder.
Lastly, Liz Spikol is a journalist in her early forties living in Philadelphia. Spikol recalls
experiencing episodes of extreme depression and mania for a prolonged period. The earliest episode
occurred during her early twenties following a rape. Her condition had an immensely detrimental
impact on her capacity to function, leaving her in the care of her parents. Today, Spikol is a successful
journalist and advocate for mental health rights.
DSM-V Diagnosis Criteria
In the absence of an alternative diagnosis, DSM-5 suggests that individuals should have
experienced at least one episode of hypomania or mania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Mania
is evident through an expansive, irritable, or elevated mood that lasts at least a week and is present
4
most of the day, on most days. Hypomania should present for at least four consecutive days under
similar conditions. During the period, at least three symptoms suggesting usual behavior consistent
with bipolar should be evident. The symptoms include a decreased need to sleep, racing thoughts,
increased talkativeness, elevated grandiosity or self-esteem, increased psychomotor agitation,
engaging in reckless behavior, and being easily distracted (American Psychiatric Association, 2017).
One should also have experienced at least five symptoms of a major depressive episode. Such includes
depressed mood most of the day, decreased interest, significant weight loss, fatigue, diminished
concentration, feeling worthless, recurrent suicidal ideation, and engaging in pointless movements.
Treatment Options
The main intervention alternatives for bipolar disorder include psychotherapy and medications
to manage the symptoms. Numerous medications are currently used to treat the condition, with
varying doses based on presenting symptoms. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium and divalproex
sodium, are commonly used to manage hypomanic and manic episodes (Kato, 2019). Antipsychotics
are also used during instances of persistent mania or depression that are non-responsive to treatment.
Antidepressants are also used to manage depression, with anti-anxiety medications to improve sleep.
The antidepressant-antipsychotic, Symbyax is also effective in treating depression and as a mood
stabilizer. Psychotherapy is also an essential aspect of bipolar disorder treatment provided in
individual and group settings. Some of the most common forms of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar
disorder include interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy,
psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy.
5
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders:
Dsm-5. CBS Publishers & Distributors, Pvt. Ltd.
Chambers, K., & Klein, L. (2012). Of Two Minds. MadPix. Retrieved October 27, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyM2PmtgtY.
Kato, T. (2019). Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis
and treatment strategies. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(9), 526–540.
https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12852