Objective: While a DSM-5 criterion for both hypomania and mania is impaired functioning, the majority of those with a bipolar condition report improved functioning. When offered a mood stabilizer, many express concerns about any impact on their creativity. This piece seeks to address the question and attendant issues.
Method: Reference is made to the impact of differing mood stabilizers on cognitive performance and the limited data on any specific impact on creativity, while some personal observations are offered.
Results: There appears to be a distinctive gradient in the cognitive impacts of differing mood stabilizers, with lithium offering the highest risk, carbamazepine and valproate providing a slight risk, and lamotrigine seemingly without cognitive side-effects.
Conclusions: The question not only invites a nuanced response from the clinician but argues for close observation of any cognitive side-effects when lithium is introduced.
Keywords: bipolar disorder; cognitive side-effects; manic depressive illness; mood stabilizers.