Abstract
Objective: To investigate the aspects of self-concept and self-esteem as representative of measures of self-representation in individuals with Bipolar Spectrum Disorder. Method: Quantitative studies investigating group differences in adult populations for Subjects “Bipolar Disorder” and keywords regarding self-esteem and self-concept were selected. Exclusions included single case studies. Results: Studies regarding self-esteem show mixed results dependant on group definition and current mood state but demonstrate a pattern of Bipolar Disorder showing higher self-esteem than Unipolar Depression but lower than Control groups. Mood state also appears to mediate discrepancy between perceptions of self. Participants with Bipolar Disorder show greater compartmentalization but similar complexity in descriptions of self-concepts compared to controls and Unipolar depression. Conclusions: Self-representation in areas other than self-esteem is less widely studied and so caution must be taken in interpreting these preliminary findings. Self-representations in Bipolar Disorder can be interpreted by both psychodynamic and cognitive theories.