Bipolar Disorder & the Creative Impact on Society

Examination of Notable Comedians, Actors and Writers - Sufferers of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects one out of every 83 individuals in the United States.   Considered a neurological mood disorder, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are often debilitating and can often lead to an impairment in daily living activities, affect familial relationships and job performance and even impair the bipolar sufferer to such an extent that physical health is affected.  However, in some cases of bipolar disorder, the outcome may be positive and lead to such a degree of creativity so as to allow the individual to make a significant impact on the world around them.   Bipolar disorder crosses all genders, races, creeds and colors with examples of individuals who made an impact on society through the exhibition of their bipolar symptoms:

Robert Downey, Jr:
Born in 1965, to celebrity parents, Robert Downey, Jr. and worked in a variety of television and movie debuts including "Saturday Night Live".   Robert Downey, Jr. suffers from bipolar symptoms which attribute to a historical use of alcohol and drugs.

Robin Williams:
Born in 1952, Robin Williams began his early career on the television show "Mork and Mindy".   Most notably considered a comedian full of excitable energy.    Although not openly acknowledged, Robin Willliams is believed to be a sufferer of bipolar disorder as exhibited through his creativity and impulsivity.  In this scenario, bipolar disorder may attribute to what we call a positive side effect as it has allowed Robin Williams to function in society and make a significant contribution in terms of comedic and improvisation.

Ben Stiller:
Born in 1965, to parents who also suffered from bipolar disorder, Ben Still is a well known for many movie debuts including, "Meet the Fockers" and "Along Came Polly".    Openly acknowledges bipolar disorder has affected his life with episodes of angry outbursts leading to conflict and media attention.