Mapping the psychoanalytic literature on bipolar disorder: a scoping review of journal articles

Objective: To provide a review of journal articles discussing clinical cases or vignettes of psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy of patients affected by bipolar disorder.Methods: A thorough search of journal articles was performed in five databases to identify studies published from 1990-2021.Results: Twenty-four articles were included in this review, comprising a total of 29 case reports. The most common theoretical approach adopted by the authors was object relations.Two main sets of clinical-theoretical considerations and recommendations emerge: the applicability of analytic treatment to patients with bipolar disorder - taking into account their analyzability and practical arrangements for conducting therapy - and theoretical speculations on the nature and development of the illness, as well as on the conceptualization of its different phases.Conclusion: Our findings reveal that there is some psychoanalytic literature providing insight into the psychological dynamics and treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Elaboration of this literature may help improve our understanding and provide more accurate and comprehensive descriptions of the intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamics of these patients, yielding potentially valuable information for clinical and research purposes, particularly with regard to reducing interpersonal conflict, and increasing insight and engagement with lifestyle changes and other behaviors likely to promote health and stability.

Automated summary

This review examines journal articles on clinical cases or vignettes of psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy for patients with bipolar disorder published from 1990 to 2021. The findings reveal that object relations was the most common theoretical approach adopted by the authors, and two main sets of clinical-theoretical considerations and recommendations emerged. The study suggests that further elaboration of the psychoanalytic literature on bipolar disorder can improve our understanding and provide valuable information for clinical and research purposes.