Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of bipolar disorder in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Bipolar Disorder
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and bipolar disorder management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type bipolar disorder responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type bipolar disorder
Neuroception and Bipolar Disorder
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in bipolar disorder, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive bipolar disorder responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms bipolar disorder management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.