title: Exploring the links between the phenomenology of creativity and bipolar disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The links between bipolar disorder (BD) and creativity have historically attracted academic and public interest. Previous research highlights common characteristics of people considered to be highly creative, and those diagnosed with BD, including extraversion, impulsivity, divergent thinking and high motivation (Ma, 2009).
  
  
  METHODS
  In the first phenomenological study focussing on the links between creativity and extreme mood, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was used to collect and analyse in-depth interview data from seven people diagnosed with BD in the UK.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four key themes were constructed to reflect and convey the collective accounts: 1. High mood leads to an expanding mind; 2. Full steam ahead; 3. A reciprocal relationship between mood and creativity 4. Reframing bipolar experiences through creative activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants were a small sample of people who were identified as having BD on the basis of a clinical diagnosis and Mood Disorders screening Questionnaire (MDQ), and who defined themselves as creative without further corroboration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among this sample, creativity was recognised as a valued aspect of BD. Clinical services may usefully draw on creative resources to aid assessment and formulation, and even utilise the effects of creativity on the management of mood. Research demonstrates a high prevalence of non-adherence to medication among persons with BD and this ambivalence might be better understood when the links between extreme mood and creativity are considered.
authors.affiliation: Arts For Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Cavendish Street, Manchester M15 6BG, UK. Electronic address: k.taylor@mmu.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: The Spectrum Centre, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YF, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.affiliation: The Spectrum Centre, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YF, UK.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lobban
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D003405:Creativity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D012107:Research Design; D018401:Sample Size; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking; D006113:United Kingdom; D016903:Drug Monitoring
keywords: Bipolar disorder; Creativity; Depression; Mania; Mood