table of honour of the Faculty of Higher and Postdoctoral Studies, 2012-2013. Bipolar disorder is associated with several cognitive and personality features. Among the factors proposed to explain the onset of symptoms and affective episodes following particular life events is the cognitive evaluation of the event. The schematic theory is a relevant theory which makes it possible to explain the cognitive style associated with the bipolar disorder (Young, Klosko -Weishaar, 2003). The theory of patterns is aimed at patients with chronic psychological disorders that do not benefit as much as others from cognitive therapy. Key components of theory are early patterns of inadaptation, defined as broad and widespread features that develop during childhood as a reaction to inappropriate experiences. The schematic theory and the associated therapeutic approach have shown a strong success in the treatment of personality disorders. Given the cognitive aspects and personality characteristics associated with the bipolar disorder, the schematic theory may also apply to the bipolar spectrum. This is a preliminary exploration of the application of early patterns of inadaptation, as a factor of cognitive vulnerability, to the bipolar spectrum. First, the characteristics of the bipolar disorder that justify the application of the schematic theory (Chapter 1) are identified, as well as, with a broad view, the literature on the theory of patterns with affective and anxiety disorders (Chapter 2). The psychometric properties of the Franco-Canadian adaptation of the diagram measuring instrument, i.e. the Young Schemes Questionnaire, are examined (Chapter 3). Next, the patterns in individuals at risk of developing a bipolar disorder (Chapter 4) and diagnosed with a bipolar disorder (Chapter 5) are examined and finally compared (Chapter 6). The results demonstrate that the ‘early inadaptation pattern’ component of the pattern theory applies not only to affective and anxiety disorders in general, but also to the bipolar spectrum specifically. The studies illustrate the general activation of patterns in individuals at risk or diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as well as specific effects for some key patterns that reflect bipolar spectrum characteristics. This includes, in particular, the activation of the overstated personal rights/size scheme and the absence of activation of the emotional control scheme. The results are discussed and possible avenues for future research are proposed (Chapter 7). This suggests that the schematic theory applies to the bipolar spectrum and opens the door to exploring the therapy pattern as a possible treatment for individuals diagnosed with a bipolar disorder.