[Social behavior and psychosis induction in manic-depressives]

The social behavior of manic-depressives shows a specific structure of identity, whose consequences for the onset and course of manic-depressive psychosis are investigated. Besides in interactional conduct, group behavior, orientation in values etc. we are mainly interested in the behavior of manic-depressives in social roles. From the point of view of role theory the social behavior especially of monopolar depressives could be described as hypernomic, as it shows an extreme conformity with norms. Situations of opposing or competitive role demands, opposing norms and values therefore are very difficult for manic-depressives to handle. The preponderance of their role identities results in an atrophy of ego-identity and in an increasing dependence on their social roles. This explains why not only the loss but even the endangering of their social roles may result in psychotic states that here are interpreted as crisis of identity.