Paul Golden

• Golden has publicly identified himself as having bipolar disorder. An academic analysis of his memoir reports that he was diagnosed in 1988, although he had experienced symptoms dating back to medical school. [1][2]
• He later disclosed his experience publicly through his writing, including An Insider’s View of Bipolar Disease and the memoir Bipolar MD: My Life as a Physician with Bipolar Disorder. [1]

• Golden has described experiencing both manic episodes and periods of depression while progressing through medical training and his career as a nephrologist. His memoir portrays bipolar disorder as recurring throughout his adult life rather than being confined to a single period. [1][2]
• During one bipolar episode, amid significant financial pressure involving his medical practice, Golden shot himself in the leg at home and was subsequently hospitalized. He later wrote that he was uncertain whether the shooting had been a suicide attempt. The hospitalization also led to scrutiny from the state medical licensing board, despite no reported evidence that his illness had harmed his patients or resulted in professional misconduct. [2]

• Golden has described psychiatric medication as an important part of managing bipolar disorder. An academic analysis of his memoir reports that finding an effective medication regimen helped stabilize his symptoms, although he also went through periods of stopping medication because of side effects, frustration with his psychiatrist and difficulty accepting that ongoing treatment was necessary. [2]
• He also underwent several courses of electroconvulsive therapy, which the same analysis reports were highly beneficial for his bipolar disorder. [2]

• Golden’s memoir presents recovery as an uneven process, with periods of improvement interrupted by further bipolar episodes. An academic analysis of his account describes recovery as involving continued efforts to find effective treatment, support from others and acceptance of living with a chronic illness. [2]
• Golden has said that bipolar disorder remained part of his life while he nevertheless reached a point where he could describe his life as full and satisfying. [1]

• After retiring from medical practice, Golden became active in mental-health advocacy and began speaking publicly about living with bipolar disorder. He has said that greater awareness can help reduce the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination associated with the condition. [3][4]
• Golden has also emphasized that bipolar disorder does not necessarily prevent someone from having meaningful relationships, education, a career and a sense of purpose. He has said that personal and professional achievement can be compatible with living with the condition. [1][4]

“There is no reason for people with bipolar disorder to sell themselves short.”

— Paul Golden [1]