Word: manic
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1980-1989
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Manic Benefits...
...latest research into manic-depressive illness [BEHAVIOR, Oct. 8] attempts to give a good name to a bad disease. Having worked as a psychiatric attendant, I know that the "creative" highs of manic-depression do not always give rise to artistic works of genius. On the contrary, many of these highs can result only in elaborate schemes that have absolutely no base in reality...
...freelance artist who has known two major manic episodes. There is a very thin line between a mild manic experience, which is beneficial, and a full-blown manic occurrence, which I know from experience is dangerous and devastating. Let's bring manic-depressives out of the closet and onto the podium, but not put them on a pedestal...
Many of the artists identified by Psychologist Jamison as manic-depressives were also suicides, alcoholics or drug addicts. Perhaps the illness contributed to their creativity. But when left untreated, that same ailment may also have led to their destruction...
From my research on manic-depression, which you covered in "The Ups and Downs of Creativity" [BEHAVIOR, Oct. 8], I have come to believe there are positive aspects to manic-depressive illness. But these effects should be put in the context of enormous human suffering. Suicide, cocaine abuse and alcoholism are exceedingly high among those afflicted with this sickness. And as far as the manic-depressive artist is concerned, I do not advocate that artists should avoid professional help. On the contrary, they have been undertreated for their mood disorders, and many could profit from the sophisticated use of lithium...