Wechsler, R.C. / Published 1992 / Article
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Citation: Wechsler, R. (1991). Personality and Manic States: A Status Dynamic Formulation of Bipolar Disorder. In M.K. Roberts, & R.M. Bergner, (Eds.). Clinical
Topics: Contributions to the Conceptualization and Treatment of Adolescent-Family Problems, Bulimia, Chronic Mental Illness, and Mania. Advances in Descriptive Psychology, Vol. 6 (pp. 203-233). Ann Arbor, MI: Descriptive Psychology Press.
Abstract: A psychological formulation of manic-depressive disorder is presented which complements the biological theories; biological theories alone cannot account for either the variability of the manic cycles or the specific nature of the
manic's behaviors. Manics are proposed to have a self-concept which makes a loss of status unthinkable in certain domains of their lives. When such a loss occurs, the manic episode is a manifestation of the interaction between psychologically-determined efforts to recoup that status, through an escalating cycle of attempts at self-affirmation, and biologically-determined acceleration of thought and behavior. The personality characteristics of manics are directly related to the onset, course,
symptomatology, and psychotherapy of the disorder.