An individual with bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, experiences extreme swings in emotion, energy, and behavior that interfere with their ability to function in daily life.

These changes in disposition and vigor are more extreme than the ups and downs anyone inevitably faces.

About 2.6% of the U.S. aged 18 and over experience bipolar illness yearly. This equates to about 5.7 million people.

Institution for Mental Health, The National Institute of Mental Health reports that the average age beginning for bipolar disorder is 25, but that it can manifest in people as young as adolescence or as late as their 40s and 50s.

People of various ages, colors, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds are susceptible to developing bipolar disorder.

More than two-thirds of those with bipolar disorder also have a close family member with the disorder or serious unipolar anxiety suggests a genetic link.

Prevalence Of Bipolar Disorder

Lifetime prevalence (LTP) is the estimated number of individuals in a population diagnosed with a specific disorder during their lifetime.

In most cases, the figure is reported as a fraction of the population “at risk.” 

Since 10% of the population has experienced sickness at some stage, the LTP for that ailment is 10% if there are 1,000 people in the overall population and 100 contracts the illness.

In several community studies [DSM-IV], the LTP for bipolar disorder ranges from 0.4% to 1.6%. This equates to around 1% of the population aged in the U.S., or about 2 million people, who have bipolar illness.

Numerous studies suggest that a sizable number of the estimated 3.4 million children and teenagers with depression in the U.S. may be suffering the early onset of teenage bipolar disorder but have not yet encountered the manic stage. 

Many youngsters in the United States diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) may be suffering from early-onset bipolar illness.

For instance, an elementary school-age youngster who seems challenged to relax in a class and cannot focus or wants to do so can demonstrate the earliest adolescent bipolar illness indications.

Women And Bipolar Disorder

Even though men and women experience bipolar disorder at roughly the same rates, the manifestations of the disorder in women are distinctive.

Women with bipolar disorder are more likely to exhibit these symptoms than men:

• Increased frequency of manic and depressive periods
• The occurrence of more frequent episodes of anxiety and mania, as well as their co-occurrence
• Increased risk of receiving an incorrect diagnosis of depression.

Women can learn to spot the signs of bipolar illness in themselves and others by becoming educated about the condition.

Bipolar Disorder By Demographic

Statistics show that certain groups are biologically or environmentally more likely to experience health problems, and the same is true for mental disorders.

Roughly 4.7% of the population suffers from bipolar disorder, with the highest prevalence among those aged 18 to 34. 

This decreases by age 60, at which stage less than 1% of the overall displayed diagnosable indications.

More than 80% of persons with bipolar illness fall into the “severe” category, meaning their condition profoundly impacts all aspects of everyday life.

Children can also experience the effects of bipolar disorder. At 3.3% in females and 2.6% in males, females are much more likely to experience signs among adolescents.

The rate of diagnosable symptoms is 4.3% among those aged 17–18, while it is only 1.3% among those aged 13–14.

The Dangers Of Bipolar Disorder

Mental illness can be a tough topic, particularly for those who strive to segregate mental and physical diseases into two categories with no connection.

Many believe only physical illnesses are “real,” while mental health diseases may be “made up” by a person’s imagination. 

In truth, mental illness is just as genuine and serious as physical disorders and can impair healthcare and well-being in various ways.

Without adequate treatment, persons with the bipolar disease may face several obstacles.

Final Thoughts

The number of people with bipolar disorder is discussed in this article. Half of those with bipolar disorder who receive a diagnosis in a given year do not receive treatment.

While there is currently no known cure for bipolar disorder, a medication regimen and CBT regimen have proven effective in managing symptoms.

The diagnosis of bipolar illness is skewed toward one gender: women are more frequently given a diagnosis of depression, while men are more frequently given a diagnosis of insanity.