SOCIAL INFLUENCES ON BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS

The impact of psychosocial adversity on the onset and course of bipola r disorder has been assessed in studies that have relied on methods of eliciting life event histories and evaluating family atmosphere. The results of life event studies have been inconsistent, perhaps because the relationship between bipolar disorder and major stress is only pro nounced in first or early episodes. If this is so, this phenomenon its elf invites explanation, whether in social or biological terms. The tw o studies to data of family atmosphere suggest an association between high expressed emotion and relapse. The relationship between psychosoc ial stress and bipolar disorder requires further and more detailed res earch.