From Symptoms to Solutions: The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Serious Gaming

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is considered to be a mental illness that affects around 3-4% of the world population. While the first cases were noted around the 18<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">th</sup> century[1], Bipolar Disorder still lacks adequate research, a fact that contributes to the stigmatization and endangerment of those affected, with the symptomology severe enough at cases that extreme discomfort can be caused in the patients' everyday life. In this paper, the symptoms, types, and overall challenges of the Bipolar Spectrum are going to be delved into, to highlight how technology and serious gaming can be used to better assist those who battle the disorder, their social circle, and mental health professionals.