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Bipolar Risks

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance notes that bipolar disorder (manic depression) is a highly treatable illness. Unfortunately, 14.8 million adults in the United States suffer from a major depressive disorder yearly. There are many risks associated with bipolar disorder.

  1. Symptoms

    • The "highs" of bipolar disorder include increased physical and mental activity, chronic irritability and aggressive actions, declining need for sleep without tiredness, and poor judgment. The "lows" include persistent sadness, guiltiness, worthlessness, aches and pains that cannot be explained, and recurring suicidal thoughts.

    Medical Risks

    • PsychCentral cites that bipolar patients were 3.13 times more likely than others to undergo a trauma or an injury resulting from treatment of the disorder such as craniocerebral injury (brain or cranial nerve trauma).

    Children

    • According to U.S. News and World Report, children with bipolar are at an increased risk for developing mood disorders and anxiety, particularly at an early age.

    Suicide

    • Suicide.org cites that 25 to 50 percent of bipolar patients commit suicide.

    Substance Abuse

    • PsychCentral notes that bipolar patients who experience mixed states---when mania and depression are simultaneously present---and rapid cycling---when they quickly alternate---they have the highest rate of harm from substance abuse. These individuals are willing to do almost anything to stop the discomfort of their chaotic moods.

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