Basic but Interesting Bipolar Facts
Posted by Administrator in Mental Health.Here are some fascinating facts about bipolar disorder:
* At least 2 million Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. For those afflicted with the illness, it can be extremely distressing and disruptive, especially if it goes untreated.* Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members, friends, and employers. * Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems (such as wild spending sprees) and the lasting consequences of these behaviors.
* Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in many cases. * Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket. It can be confused with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, so careful diagnosis is necessary.
* The risk of suicide is one more important reason for persons with bipolar illness to seek proper treatment. The statistics are sobering. The mortality rate is higher than many forms of heart disease or cancer. Historically, as many as 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder have committed suicide. This is a rate approximately 30 times greater than that of the general population. While these statistics are intimidating, they do not represent destiny. With new understandings and new developments in the treatment of this illness, a person receiving proper support and treatment has every reason to trust that they can not only survive this illness, but thrive in their daily lives. Read more