Harnessing creativity is the key to helping people with bipolar disorder, according to a leading clinical psychologist.

Swinburne University of Technology head of psychological sciences and statistics Associate Professor Greg Murray said psychologists taking a holistic approach, rather than a symptoms-based approach, could lead to better outcomes for those with the chronic mood disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects one to six percent of the population but Assoc Professor Murray said research showed the disorder is six times more common among exceptionally creative people than the general population.

“Overall creativity is valued by people with bipolar disorder,” he said. “They tell us that their creative expression is a means of connecting with others and deriving satisfaction from life and they don’t want to lose that.

“But they also say that their creativity can be flattened by the medications that are the mainstay of their treatment.”

A practising clinical psychologist specialising in bipolar disorder, Assoc Professor Murray said creative people were more likely to respond to action-based interventions and treatments that offer the opportunity for self-expression.

“People who are creative are often open to new ideas and new ways of doing things so if we engage people creatively and offer programs that work with this interest and strength we can provide a greater benefit,” he said.

“In psychological treatments, it’s critical to set goals that are positive and meaningful for the patient.

“Often this means focusing on the goal of a satisfying life, rather than just a reduction of symptoms,” Assoc Professor Murray said.