Professor Delivers Talk on Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia

At a recent lecture, a Counseling Psychologist and Lecturer at Dickinson stated that referencing schizophrenia and bipolarity disorders in a flippant or offhanded way significantly downplays the struggle of those who deal with these disorders.

Michele Ford, lecturer in psychology, explained the causes, symptoms and treatments for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia at a recent event titled “Understanding Bipolar Disorder & Schizophrenia.” She also stated people can help those who are schizophrenic or bipolar by “avoiding stigmatizing language.” According to Ford, referencing the disorders in a flippant or offhanded way with remarks such as “my computer is so schizophrenic” or “the weather’s been really bipolar lately” makes light of these serious conditions and downplays the struggle of those who deal with their symptoms every day.

Bipolar disorder, according to Ford, is a serious condition which affects the patients’ moods, turning their “normal ups and downs” into periods of “intense depression and mania.” For bipolar disorder to be officially diagnosed, the depressive phase must last for at least two weeks while the maniac phase must last one week. Bipolar disorder patients experience phases that can last several months. Bipolarity can also lead to “Hypomania,” which is characterized by milder highs and more intense and frequent lows.

Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is a psychotic condition that causes the patient to lose touch with reality altogether.  Substance abuse, erratic behavior and inappropriate emotional displays are all warning signs of schizophrenia. Once affected, the schizophrenic will often withdraw socially, hallucinate and hear imaginary voices speaking to them. Long term symptoms of schizophrenia include loss of speech and the ability to feel pleasure.

Ford went into detail on how bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can be linked to both the patients’ biology  and environment. Individuals with certain genetics are naturally susceptible to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. However, certain events or occurrences [can] trigger the symptoms in a patient. As Ford put it, “genes load the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger.” She explained that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are caused by many of the same genes, which a person can inherit from their parents.

As Ford explained, the distinction between bipolar and schizophrenia is not always easy to make. Because bipolar and schizophrenia can both manifest changes in mood and psychotic symptoms, which means they can easily be confused or misdiagnosed. Because of this confusion, Ford emphasized how vital it is that these conditions be accurately recognized and appropriately treated, since bipolarity and schizophrenia are “two of the most debilitating mental illnesses.” She also noted that treatment is most effective when it utilizes both medication and traditional therapy to reduce the symptoms as much as possible although, as of yet, “neither condition is curable.”

To conclude, Ford stressed the importance of understanding bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, so that we can better support and relate with those who have them. Many members in the audience agreed with this sentiment.

“A basic understanding of these disorders and their constantly evolving treatments is crucial,” said Alejandro Arango ’21.

About 30 people attended the event. The lecture was delivered at 12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10  in the HUB’s Social Hall West.