Mathematical Models of Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

We use limit cycle oscillators to model Bipolar II disorder, which is characterized by alternating hypomanic and depressive episodes and afflicts about one percent of the United States adult population. We consider two nonlinear oscillator models of a single bipolar patient. In both frameworks, we begin with an untreated individual and examine the mathematical effects and resulting biological consequences of treatment. We also briefly consider the dynamics of interacting bipolar II individuals using weakly-coupled, weakly-damped harmonic oscillators. We discuss how the proposed models can be used as a framework for refined models that incorporate additional biological data. We conclude with a discussion of possible generalizations of our work, as there are several biologically-motivated extensions that can be readily incorporated into the series of models presented here.