The Thermodynamics of Bipolarity: A Bifurcation Model of Bipolar Illness and Bipolar Character and Its Psychotherapeutic Applications

Abstract

Two models dominate current formulations of bipolar illness: the homeostatic model implicit in Freud's psychodynamics and most neuroamine deficit/excess theories; and the oscillatory model of exaggerated biological rhythms. The homeostatic model is based on the closed systems approach of classic thermodynamics, while the oscillatory model requires the open systems approach of modern thermodynamics. Here we present a thermodynamic model of bipolarity that includes both homeostatic and oscillatory features and adds the most important feature of open systems thermodynamics: the creation of novel structures in bifurcation processes. According to the proposed model, bipolarity is the result of exaggerated biological energy that augments homeostatic, oscillatory and creative psychological processes. Only low-energy closed systems tend to rest ("point attractor") and entropic disorder. Open processes containing and exchanging energy fluctuate between opposite states ("periodic attractors"); they are characteristic of most physiological rhythms and are exaggerated in bipolar subjects. At higher energies, their strong fluctuations destroy pre-existing patterns and structures, produce turbulence ("chaotic attractors"), which sudden switches between opposite states, and create new and more complex structures. Likewise, high-energy bipolars develop high spontaneity, great fluctuations between opposite moods, internal and interpersonal chaos, and enhanced creativity (personal, artistic, professional) as well as psychopathology (personality deviations, psychotic delusions). Offered here is a theoretical explanation of the dual--creative and destructive--nature of bipolarity in terms of the new enantiodromic concept of entropy generalized by process theory. Clinically, this article offers an integrative model of bipolarity that accounts for many clinical features and contributes to a definition of the bipolar personality.

Credneramides A and B: Neuromodulatory Phenethylamine and Isopentylamine Derivatives of a Vinyl Chloride-Containing Fatty Acid from cf. Trichodesmium sp. nov.

“…Thus, the bioactivity of the credneramides in this assay could be due to modulation of AMPA, mgluR, or PLC signaling or to TAAR1, dopamine, and GABA receptor activity; the latter three are known to be modulated by PEA. 28–31 Unlike grenadamide A, a mixture of 1 and 2 did not possess cannabinoid receptor binding activity, and only marginal cytotoxic activity against the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua was reported for grenadamides B and C, which are structurally most similar to the credneramides. 23 …”

“…PEA derivatives have a well-recognized role in mammalian physiology as an endogenous neurotransmitter that has been shown to bind trace amine (TAAR), dopaminergic, and GABA receptors. 28–31 By binding to these receptors, PEA derivatives modulate higher cognitive function via a capacity to act as hallucinogens, stimulants, and antidepressants. 28,29 This class of compounds has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurologic diseases including depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia.…”

“…28–31 By binding to these receptors, PEA derivatives modulate higher cognitive function via a capacity to act as hallucinogens, stimulants, and antidepressants. 28,29 This class of compounds has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurologic diseases including depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. 28,29,32 Given the substantial evidence of neuromodulation by phenethylamines, the neuromodulatory effects of credneramide A ( 1 ) are reasonable.…”

Causal Creation in Social Processes: Empirical Analysis and Theoretical Implications

“…The mathematical analysis of economic data presented here, together with previous studies [2,13,[19][20][21], show that economic processes do not tend to equilibrium and display random variation as postulated by standard economics. Instead, they show Bios.…”

The union of opposites: from Taoism to process theory

“…Processes are creative, rather than determined or accidental. Evolution is the necessary consequence of the maximization of entropy, because entropy measures the diversity and symmetry of opposites (Sabelli, 1994;Sabelli et al, 1990), not disorder. Co-creation through synergy, antagonism, and recombination provides a more realistic explanation for evolution than mere competition and struggle.…”