A Brief History

The history of Bipolar disorder dates back to the first known records of ancient Greece where findings of present-day scholars have been able to conclude that there were accounts of Bipolar Disorder. Some history of Bipolar Disorder can be traced by the discovery and use of Lithium for treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The following video not only gives a brief history of Lithium and its use in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, but it also depicts the earliest accounts and recognition of Bipolar Disorder.



In the late 1940’s the research among clinicians focused on the treatment of the first real known mental illness at that time, Schizophrenia. As research methods, treatment, and understanding of the human brain and chemical interactions developed and improved, Bipolar Disorder was classified and became a separate mental illness which was recorded in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1957 which was developed by the American Psychological Association (an organization officially established in 1921 which now is the primary source of research discovery in both the understanding of symptoms and treatments of mental illness worldwide). Since its first definition, the understanding and development of both the illness and the treatments for it have progressed to what it is today. There are still many more milestones to cross in this area for both clinicians and therapists in the treatment and management of the disorder, but the first steps are always knowledge, recognition, and understanding. Congratulations for taking those first steps toward treatment and management!