Major mood swings, trouble sleeping, and engaging in reckless behaviour: these are obvious signs of the rare illness that people now and throughout the ages have struggled with. Bipolar disease, also referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder in the brain that can cause unusual changes in mood, energy and activity levels, and the ability to carry out simple, day-to-day tasks (“Bipolar Disorder”). Thus, Macbeth’s actions and characteristics follow in line with the symptoms of this sickness and will furthermore need treatment to heal his condition, if not cope with his conditions and help with lifestyle changes.
Bipolar Disorder is a mental sickness that causes dramatic changes in someone’s mood, energy levels, and their ability to think clearly through simple day to day scenarios. The many who have this condition go through phases of high and low moods known as mania and depression. This condition affects men and women with about 2.6 percent of the U.S population diagnosed with bipolar disorder and nearly eighty-three percent of the cases classified as severe (“Bipolar Disorder Overview”).
Some causes that have been suggested for this condition includes brain-chemical imbalances, hormonal problems, genetics, and simply environmental factors. When talking about brain-chemical and hormonal imbalances, scientists have found that neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances appear to be one of the causes for not only bipolar disorders, but also many other mental diseases. The phrase “environmental factors” could mean a variety of different circumstances such as: abuse, stress, or a traumatic event that has happened (like a recent divorce or a stressful relationship). In this case, mental stress and how one handles it is one of the popular ways to trigger a bipolar episode.
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Though one can provide examples of bipolar illness in this present day, we can also trace it back to the medieval times, specifically in Shakespeare’s character Macbeth. As the story unfolds, we see glimpses of some of the most common symptoms. Almost instantaneously, one can see the ambition that Macbeth possesses. After hearing that he was to be Thane of Cawdor and later king, Macbeth was filled with an inflated self-esteem and a selfish, growing ambition. “My thought, whose murder’s but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what it’s not (1.3.152-155)(“Vaulting Ambition”).”
Immediately after the witches mentioned him becoming king, his mind considers killing to attain what he believes is rightfully his. Fast-forward to the night Macbeth was planning to kill King Duncan. Before the nights events befell, he all at once starts to doubt his ability to execute the deed. He went from feeling assured in himself to feeling shame once considering the heinous act he was about to perform towards his king. “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other (1.7.25-28)(“Vaulting Ambition”).”
After regaining his confidence, he swiftly executes the plan wasting no time. Immediately after, Macbeth feels remorse for backstabbing Duncan like that. Macbeth’s frequent emotional changes imply that he has bipolar disorder. Another symptom Macbeth portrays is one of depression. His mind begins to go mad after killing Duncan. He is so bothered about his abominable act; he comes to the realization that he will never sleep again. This can also be interpreted as him seldom possessing a peaceful mind or a relaxed soul. Coinciding along with his depression comes insomnia and also the feeling of guilt, which are all traits that Macbeth is dealing with. “But wherefore couldn’t I pronounce “Amen’? I had most need of blessing, and “Amen was stuck in my throat (2.2.30-32)(“Sparknotes”).” His guilt overtook him to the point where he could not say “Amen” after a prayer he had heard because he knew that it was not his place to say that after the crime he had just committed.
His conscience will never let him rest and will ultimately make him insane and ruthless which is the additional mood swing that can occur when dealing with bipolar disease. “…The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line (4.1.166-174)(“Macbeth Quotes”).” To ensure that he will ultimately be king, Macbeth wants to eliminate all who suspect him of murder (including Macduff’s family and even his best friend, Banquo). Macbeth and his wife have switched personalities given that Macbeth has become this merciless and murderous king. This is one of the high points during the story, where he feels no one can stop him nor compare to him. Engaging in reckless behavior without any contemplation of the consequences ahead shows that Macbeth does indeed suffer from bipolar disorder.
Displaying the signs of depression, ambition, and reckless behavior, we can diagnose Macbeth with having bipolar disorder. To treat this, the assessment of different medications including mood stabilizers and antidepressants are needed. In addition to these medications, psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is also needed (“Bipolar Disorder”). Psychotherapy gives patients the chance to speak their mind and talk about whatever may be troubling them. At the same time, it also gives the therapist a chance to dig deep into what may be causing the disorder and is able to ask questions about the patients thoughts, emotions, and memories that may be influencing their behavior.
If the doctors in Macbeth’s time had known about this rare and concerning sickness, they would have been able to treat him and possibly avoid the disasters that took place because of him. Macbeth is used as an example to show what can occur when one with this particular disease does not receive the treatment plan that is necessary for recovery. If Macbeth was given help by his doctors, his story would have been told a much different way.
