How does bipolar disorder actually accelerate aging? And what can you start doing today to slow the aging process down?

Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Paula Villela Nunes explores the rarely discussed science behind bipolar disorder and accelerated aging, including the role of stress, inflammation, lifestyle, cardiovascular health, telomeres, and increased risk for dementia. She breaks down the hopeful side of the research on how you can take to protect long-term brain health.

(0:00) Does Bipolar Disorder Make You Age Faster?

(0:38) Genetics vs Lifestyle Stress

(1:08) The Science of Telomeres

(2:09) How to Slow Bipolar Aging

(2:47) Do Bipolar Medications Speed Up Aging?

(3:18) Dementia & Lithium

Relevant readings:

• "Telomere Length and Bipolar Disorder" study (2017): https://nature.com/articles/npp2017125
• ''Does bipolar disorder accelerate cellular aging?" meta-analysis of telomere length (2025): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40803151
• "ISBD Guide for Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder" (2022): https://www.isbd.org/Files/Admin/Task...

Bipolar Explained is a new #talkBD series spotlighting expert perspectives on the history, biology, and management of bipolar disorder.

Dr. Paula Villela Nunes is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and researcher whose work focuses on bipolar disorder, aging, and mental health care across the lifespan. Originally from Brazil, she earned her MD and PhD from the University of São Paulo and has worked clinically and academically in both Brazil and Canada. She is currently based in Vancouver, where she works as a researcher at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Nunes has a special interest in aging and bipolar disorder, cognitive health, psychotherapy, and non-pharmacological approaches to recovery and wellness. She is a member of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) and serves as chair of the ISBD Older Age Bipolar Disorder Task Force . Her work also explores the role of families and care partners in supporting people living with bipolar disorder, alongside broader efforts to improve mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the community.

Why does bipolar disorder take years - sometimes decades - to diagnose accurately? And what if artificial intelligence could change that?AI researcher and mood disorder psychiatrist Dr. John-Jose Nunez breaks down the hidden challenges behind bipolar diagnosis and explains how AI could reshape the way we diagnose bipolar disorder. By uncovering new patterns, AI may help doctors see what’s been overlooked - earlier and more accurately than ever before. But how close are we to that reality, and what are the limits?(00:00) AI Is Changing How Doctors Diagnose Bipolar (03:16) How Accurate Is AI? Doctors vs AI(06:50) Human-in-the-loop(09:15) Will AI Replace Psychiatrists?Bipolar Explained is a new #talkBD series spotlighting expert perspectives on the history, biology, and management of bipolar disorder.---Dr. John-Jose Nunez is a psychiatrist and clinical researcher whose work bridges psychiatry and computer science, with a focus on using computational approaches including artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing to improve mental health outcomes. He holds an MD and MSc in Computer Science from UBC, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (Psychiatry). Dr. Nunez is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, a member of the CREST.BD network, and serves as the Associate Medical Director of Supportive Care at BC Cancer.His research aims to use computational methods like artificial intelligence to help patients with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression, and patients experiencing both cancer and mental illness. His thesis work has led to two high-profile publications in JAMA Network Open and Communications Medicine, which garnered international media coverage. His work has been supported by the UBC Institute of Mental Health and the BC Cancer Foundation. More on Dr. Nunez: https://nunezlab.ca

Is it true that people with bipolar disorder have different sleep needs to maintain wellness? How many hours of sleep is optimal? Dr. Holly Swartz breaks down why sleep regularity is so essential for mood stability - and what the science actually tells us.Bipolar Explained is a new #talkBD series spotlighting expert perspectives on the history, biology, and management of bipolar disorder.

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Dr. Holly A. Swartz is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and President of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard College, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed her psychiatric residency training at New York Hospital / Cornell University School of Medicine. Dr. Swartz’s research focuses on understanding and optimizing treatments for mood disorders. She is well known for her work evaluating Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) as treatments for depression and bipolar disorder. Her research focuses on the role of IPSRT and pharmacotherapy in the management of bipolar II depression and IPT in the management of maternal depression. She is engaged in collaborative projects to develop computational frameworks to model dyadic interpersonal behaviors in relation to psychotherapy process and outcomes and to understand neural correlates of change in chronotherapeutic behavioral interventions. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Why does bipolar disorder exist? And what if bipolar disorder isn’t just an illness, but also an evolutionary adaptation? Dr. Holly Swartz reveals the evolutionary secrets of bipolar disorder - from flexible circadian rhythms that once helped our ancestors survive, to the creativity and boldness often linked with mania.

(0:00) Evolution

(0:22) Circadian Control in Nature

(1:43) Advantages of Flexible Biological Clocks

(4:48) Risk-Taking & Creativity

Bipolar Explained is a new talkBD series spotlighting expert perspectives on the history, biology, and management of bipolar disorder.

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Dr. Holly A. Swartz is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and President of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard College, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed her psychiatric residency training at New York Hospital / Cornell University School of Medicine. Dr. Swartz’s research focuses on understanding and optimizing treatments for mood disorders. She is well known for her work evaluating Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) as treatments for depression and bipolar disorder. Her research focuses on the role of IPSRT and pharmacotherapy in the management of bipolar II depression and IPT in the management of maternal depression. She is engaged in collaborative projects to develop computational frameworks to model dyadic interpersonal behaviors in relation to psychotherapy process and outcomes and to understand neural correlates of change in chronotherapeutic behavioral interventions. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Neuroscientist Dr. Adrienne Benediktsson opens up about her journey with bipolar disorder - from the terrifying moment of trying to jump out of a plane mid-air to retracing lost memories after a psychotic episode. Dr. Benediktsson shares how harrowing experiences with depression and mania led her to discover new ways of living - and thriving - with bipolar disorder, offering a powerful reminder that hope, healing, and a meaningful life are possible.

(00:00) Introduction

(02:11) Early Signs & School

(06:22) What Triggered My Mania

(12:07) Jumping Out of My Plane

(22:13) Hospitalization & Diagnosis

(28:55) Forgetting My Entire Life

(34:01) Bill Clinton Induced Psychosis

(38:35) Recovery & Getting My Life Back

(44:05) Pregnancies & Relapses

(51:49) My Supports Saved Me

(54:43) You Must Love Yourself Again

Dr. Adrienne Benediktsson is an Associate Professor of Biology at Mount Royal University in Calgary and a dedicated neuroscientist specializing in the study of brain cells called astrocytes. Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder during her graduate studies, Adrienne has spent nearly two decades blending her lived experience with rigorous scientific research. Her work aims to deepen understanding of bipolar disorder’s biology while breaking down stigma. Passionate about community support, she actively engages in peer advocacy and is committed to fostering acceptance and hope for others living with bipolar disorder.

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This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us 🔗

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Mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn shares a powerful journey of bipolar disorder, and the years spent hiding in plain sight with unexplained symptoms of mania, depression and psychosis.

After a public breakdown in front of 700 people, Shaley disappeared in shame - that moment became the turning point in her bipolar disorder journey.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:34) Early Symptoms & Growing Up

(07:32) First Depression "I Wanted to Disappear"

(13:03) Endless Cycles of Mania & Depression

(17:56) Motherhood Mania

(22:21) Meltdown In Front of 700 People

(27:12) Hospitalization "This Is My Chance"

(37:00) Accepting My Bipolar Diagnosis

(44:08) Starting ‪thisisbipolar‬ Podcast

(47:28) Healing with Bipolar Stories Online

(58:37) Thank Yous & Supporters

(1:01:37) "Shame Breeds in Darkness"

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness. Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." Shaley’s greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle. Find episodes of “this is bipolar” on Apple, Spotify, Podbean, Prime or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Follow Shaley on Instagram: @this.is.bipolar

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This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us 🔗

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/crest.bd⁠⁠⁠

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WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAhvyiLNSa4g3RnTf3c

Bipolar disorder expert Dr. Sheri Johnson and mental health advocate Robert Villanueva breaks down why what and when you eat is vital for people with bipolar disorder. They also dive into the science behind two emerging and promising approaches to eating for bipolar disorder: the Mediterranean Diet and Time-Restricted Eating.

(00:00) About Sheri & Robert

(03:40) Treating Bipolar with Metabolic Health

(06:11) Mediterranean Diet

(10:52) Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)

(14:40) WHEN You Eat Matters for Bipolar

(24:20) Fasting Damages Your Heart?

(27:09) Keto & Carnivore Diets

(31:07) The Research Study (Mediterranean vs TRE)

(32:12) Prioritizing Bipolar Voices

(37:03) Being Adaptable with Diets

Dr. Sheri Johnson is a professor of psychology at the University of California Berkeley, where she directs the Calm Program. She has published over 300 manuscripts, including publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Abnormal Psychology and the American Journal of Psychiatry. She is co-editor or co-author of five books, including Emotion and Psychopathology and a best-selling textbook on Abnormal Psychology (Wiley Press). She is a fellow for Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Association for Behavioral Medicine Research and the American Psychological Society.

Robert Villanueva is an international mental health advocate, speaker and mentor in arena of lived experience of bipolar disorder. His advocacy journey began over 25 years ago when he received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Robert collaborates with researchers, academics, and policymakers both in the United States and globally, providing insights drawn from his own journey and representing the often-overlooked voices of the “ordinary” population. He currently chairs the lived experience advisory board for the “Healthy Lifestyles with Bipolar Disorder” research study at the University of California, Berkeley. Robert's bipolar disorder story: https://talkbd.live/bipolar-in-the-bay/

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STUDY NOW OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

Help to compare Mediterranean Diet vs. Time-Restricted Eating for bipolar disorder.

The Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder Research Study is an international online study comparing the benefits of two approaches to eating: Mediterranean and Time-Restricted Eating. Neither food plan is meant to be a diet or a treatment. In this study, you will be asked to consume the same amount of food that you normally would and to continue your regular medical care for bipolar disorder. Those who take part in the study will be paid at a rate of $25/hour for their time completing assessments.

More details/sign up: https://calm.berkeley.edu/participate-in-psychology-researchold/healthy-lifestyles-bipolar-disorder

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Special thanks to the Wellcome Trust. This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live⁠⁠

Follow Us 🔗

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/crest.bd⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/crestbd⁠⁠

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Internationally renowned bipolar disorder expert Dr. Trisha Suppes unravels the latest science in bipolar disorder treatment by breaking down the proven and cutting-edge treatments available today - exploring traditional solutions such as Lithium and mood stabilizers alongside exciting new options like psilocybin, ketamine, and the Ketogenic diet. Dr. Suppes also navigates the complexities of mania and tackles the perennial question: is lifelong medication necessary to live well with bipolar disorder?

(00:00) About Dr. Suppes

Medication Treatments

(03:00) Is Lithium the Gold Standard?

(05:22) Atypical Antipsychotics

(07:22) Dangers of Antidepressants?

(09:17) Medications Lose Strength?

Non-medication Treatments

(10:47) Psychotherapy

(12:54) Ketogenic Diet & Nutrition

(13:28) Cannabis

(14:20) Ketamine

Brain Stimulation Therapies

(15:18) rTMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

(16:01) VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation)

(17:07) ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

Bipolar Disorder is Complex

(18:52) Insight & Denying Bipolar Disorder

(22:45) Bipolar I: Need Meds Forever?

(23:44) Bipolar II: Need Meds Forever?

(26:22) Hypomania Causes Misdiagnosis

(28:16) Mixed States

Psychedelics

(29:28) Psilocybin & Magic Mushrooms

(32:33) Microdosing & LSD

(34:02) MDMA

Closing

(35:41) Keeping You "A Little Depressed"

(37:55) Why Recovery Is Possible

(39:06) Reflecting on Research Impact

Treatments Referenced 💊

Lithium, Lamotrigine, Clozapine, Depakote/Valproic Acid, Fluoxetine, Quetiapine, SSRIs, Mood Stabilizers, Antipsychotics, Psychotherapy, Psychoeducation, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), Keto Diet, Marijuana, Ketamine, Neurostimulation, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Psilocybin, Psilocin, Microdosing, LSD, MDMA

Learn more and share this episode: ⁠https://talkbd.live/bipolar-disorder-treatments

Special thanks: Eileen Grace Fischer and Mary Miller. This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

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This is the powerful bipolar disorder story of "ordinary guy" Robert Villanueva.

Robert "Coach V" Villanueva grew up in East Bay of San Francisco amidst undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Seeking a better life away from a dysfunctional home, Robert left home at 15 and became a wrestling coach and garbageman before experiencing his darkest moments with depression and mania. At the brink of despair, Robert found solace among other patients and a glimmer of hope that would change his life forever. Through self-discovery and support from his family and community, Robert discovered new ways to live well with bipolar disorder.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:55) First Symptoms

(06:01) Darkest Days: Leaving Home & Ending It

(09:40) Hospital "First Time That I Was Ever Taken Care Of"

(12:49) The Hardest Phone Call

(15:55) Learning to Accept Bipolar Disorder

(18:35) "I Don't Want to Live in Fear"

(21:33) Telling My Story Through Advocacy

(23:39) It Is Possible To Manage Bipolar Disorder

(26:20) Thank Yous & Family

(30:03) "They Believed in Me"

Learn more and share this episode: http://bipolarinthebay.com

This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

Follow Us

Award-winning researcher ⁠Dr. Holly Swartz⁠ breaks down the "bipolar clock", and proposes a fresh approach to take charge of your bipolar symptoms by timing your light exposure, temperature, body position, eating, and social contact. Dr. Swartz also discusses the science behind social rhythm therapy (SRT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and presents a fresh approach to reset your biological body clock and take charge of your bipolar symptoms.

Learn more and share this episode: ⁠https://bipolarclock.com⁠

This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠Erin Michalak⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live