From the stigma of manic depression to the encouraging of treatment of bipolar disorder: The evolution of the approach in two lay media publications over the last 40 years

Abstract

Objective: To examine the evolution over the past 40 years of the midia approach to bipolar disorder. Methods: A search was performed using the terms "bipolar disorder" and "manic-depressive" in the Brazilian magazine Veja and in American newspaper The New York Times. A sample of 40 texts from each source was analyzed. The texts were divided into two groups, one dated of the years between 1970 and 1999 and the second from 2000 to 2009. Results: Between 1970 and 1999 it is most often used the term "manic-depressive", but in the decade of 2000-2009, the term "bipolar disorder" prevails widely. In addition, older articles, which predominantly use the term "manic-depressive" tend to be more stigmatizing and less informative. Recent articles, on the other hand, feature more often the term "bipolar disorder" and tend to encourage treatment seeking. Conclusion: It is suggested that the midia approach to bipolar disorder, in comparison with the one given to manicdepressive psychosis, is characterized by a closer assimilation of the biomedical model.