In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list of famous people with bipolar disorder (manic depression). She began this work “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder.” She maintained and expanded this registry until 2002 when she made the decision to retire from this ongoing endeavor. Joy has now passed the torch to Marcia and me. Joy, we are quite grateful for entrusting us with your famous lists!
The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. Living celebrities include only those who have publicly stated they have experienced or have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
In reference to those listed who are deceased, Joy notes, “People like to speculate about which famous people might have had depression or manic depression. In most cases, we will never know exactly who to put on such lists, because the diagnostic techniques of the past were different than the ones today. For example, many people who might have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder today were, in the past, given the diagnosis of schizophrenia, melancholia, or even hysteria. In fact, the term 'bipolar disorder' wasn't even used very much until the 1980s.
“A very interesting book on the creative process and affective disorders is Kay Redfield Jamison's Touched With Fire, (Macmillan, Inc: The Free Press, New York, 1993). In Appendix B, she lists an extensive selection of individuals who might have had affective disorders. Dr. Jamison studied biographies and other sources of information before she included these people on her lists, based on her professional diagnostic skills.”
Of the process she used to develop these lists, Joy shares, “When a name was suggested to me, I find documentation before adding the celebrity's name to the list. Hearsay (or speculation) is not enough evidence to include a name. Sources must be reliable, and may include biographies, autobiographies, printed articles, and radio and television interviews. In some cases, there has been personal interaction with the celebrity by the person who suggested the name.”
As with Joy, this list is a work in progress. Kimberly and Marcia have continued to employ Joy’s method of well-referenced material adding some new names as they have appeared in the media and, in some cases, compiling biographies.
If you would like to suggest a name, please feel free to drop us an email at bipolar.guide@about.com.
