Popular belief has it that some of us are more “right-brained” – creative, emotional and sensual, whereas others are more “left-brained” – analytical, rational and logical as depicted in the Tel Aviv’s print ads of Mercedes Benz that feature the brain’s opposing hemispheres (see https://www.commarts.com/project/4561/mercedes-benz-left-brain-right-brain-print-ads).
To put it simply, there is no evidence for such a simple categorization. However, the brain does show distinct lateralization in structure and function. For example, there is conclusive evidence for lateralization in language processing or fine motor movement (i.e., handedness). More recently, considerable evidence accrued for lateralization of other functions like mood and motivation. This research suggests that greater activation in the left hemisphere relates to positive affect and approach motivation, whereas greater activation in the right hemisphere relates to negative affect and withdrawal motivation. This bipolarity in mood and motivation is present in patients with Bipolar Disorders that experience manic and depressive episodes. Whether manic and depressive episodes or symptoms show opposing cerebral asymmetry is an open question. Thus, we wanted to review the literature to summarize the evidence for and against cerebral asymmetry in manic and depressive states in patients with Bipolar Disorders. To access the article, you can visit https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108551.
Reference
Moebus, L., Quirin, M., & Ehrlenspiel, F. (2023). Cerebral asymmetry in bipolar disorders: A scoping review. Biological Psychology, 179, 108551. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108551