How long is life expectancy of bipolar disorder?

The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.


What is the life expectancy of someone with bipolar disorder?

The authors found that the pooled life expectancy for patients with bipolar disorder, after removal of 1 outlier study, was 67.4 years (95% CI 65.2-69.7), with no evidence of publication bias. Life expectancy was significantly shorter in men (64.6) compared to women (70.5).

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.


Does bipolar turn into dementia?

The risk of developing dementia is much higher among people who've had bipolar disorder, according to several studies. A 2020 analysis determined that people with bipolar disorder are about three times more likely to develop dementia, while another expansive analysis also found a significantly increased risk.

Does bipolar turn into schizophrenia?

While bipolar disorder cannot develop into schizophrenia, it's possible to experience symptoms of both. Before you consult a mental health professional, here are a few things you should know about the two conditions.


People living with mental illness have shorter life expectancy of 20 years, research finds



Does bipolar shorten life span?

The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.

Does bipolar damage your brain?

Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.

How serious is bipolar disorder?

The illness usually lasts a lifetime. If you think you may have it, tell your health care provider. A medical checkup can rule out other illnesses that might cause your mood changes. If not treated, bipolar disorder can lead to damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.


What triggers bipolar disorder?

A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include: the breakdown of a relationship. physical, sexual or emotional abuse. the death of a close family member or loved one.

What is the most serious form of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by predominantly depressive episodes accompanied by occasional hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are milder than manic episodes but can still impair functioning.

Is bipolar hard to live with?

People living with or caring for someone with bipolar disorder can have a tough time. During episodes of illness, the personalities of people with bipolar disorder may change, and they may become abusive or even violent. Sometimes social workers and the police may become involved.


Does bipolar qualify for disability?

Both the ADA and SSA consider bipolar disorder a disability. That qualifies you to get extra protection and benefits under the law. To start the process, talk with your doctor. You will need documents to prove to the government that bipolar disorder affects your ability to work.

Can a brain scan show bipolar?

MRIs and CT scans can provide detailed images of the brain and its structures. But currently, doctors don't use them to diagnose bipolar disorder. Detecting bipolar disorder is typically done through a diagnostic interview with a mental health professional.

Is bipolar disorder a serious mental illness?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania) to lows (depression).


Does Bipolar shrink your brain?

Bipolar Disorder Can Shrink Part of Your Brain's Hippocampus

The left side of the hippocampus regulates verbal and visual memory. This part of the brain also helps regulate how you respond to situations emotionally. When your mood shifts, your hippocampus changes shapes and shrinks.

Does Bipolar fade with age?

Long-term studies show that both major depression (unipolar and bipolar) and mania are most common in early adulthood and less common in older age. The prevalence of mania tends to decrease with age even more than depression. Mood symptoms in general decline with age, and the balance does shift more to depression.

What jobs are best for people with bipolar disorder?

Best jobs for people with bipolar disorder
  • librarian or library assistant.
  • archivist.
  • museum or gallery curator.
  • gardener or landscaper.
  • yoga or meditation teacher.
  • massage or spa therapist.
  • researcher.
  • tutor.


Are you born with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.

What part of the brain is damaged in bipolar?

Bipolar disorder affects the thinner cortical gray matter in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions of both brain hemispheres, and also the hippocampus.

What tests confirm bipolar?

There are no specific blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even so, a doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including a thyroid function test and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms.


How much money do you get for bipolar disability?

Generally, SSDI payments can range from an average of $800 and $1800 per month, although those amounts can be more or less depending upon your particular circumstances.

What benefits do people with bipolar get?

Thousands of Americans who are diagnosed with this condition every year are unable to work and hold employment due to their symptoms. If an individual is unable to work because of bipolar disorder, he or she may qualify for either Supplement Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Can you drive with bipolar?

Bipolar disorder and driving

If you have bipolar disorder, you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as it may affect your driving.


Does exercise help bipolar?

In many cases, it can help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as lessen the increased risk of certain health conditions associated with bipolar disorder. For people with bipolar disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends working out for 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week.

What not to do with bipolar disorder?

What Not to Do if You or a Friend Has Bipolar Disorder
  • Patients: Don't Hide Symptoms from Your Doctor. ...
  • Patients: Don't Stop Taking Your Medications on Your Own. ...
  • Patients: Don't Keep Toxic People in Your Life. ...
  • Patients: Stop Damaging Your Body. ...
  • Patients: Don't Meddle With Your Medications.