The Possibility of Recovery: Rethinking Bipolar Disorder Through a Biopsychosocial Lens

Research Article

Abstract

Recovery from bipolar disorder is not typically considered a possible outcome within psychiatry. This article presents an autobiographical clinical case of bipolar disorder that began in adolescence and continued for approximately 33 years. In subsequent years, after serious psychological work, depressive and manic phases completely ceased. The author considers this condition as recovery and analyzes the possible mechanisms of these changes within the biopsychosocial model (Engel, 1977). Particular attention is given to distinguishing two levels of intervention: the biological and the psychological, with an emphasis on how the inner work led to a structural reorganization of personality. Based on personal experience, the author proposes criteria for differentiating between remission and recovery and raises the question of the need to reconsider the prevailing view of bipolar disorder as a lifelong chronic illness.