Who’s At Risk of Getting Bipolar Disease?

Research has shown that bipolar disease has a genetic component. People who are diagnosed with bipolar disease are more likely to have parents (one or two) with the disorder. The average age of onset of the disease is 25 years, with most people first becoming affected between 15 and 30 years old. However, it is important to keep in mind that children may also be affected. Elderly people who first experience bipolar disease are more likely to have some type of neurological problem like stroke or cerebrovascular disease.

Even though both genders are equally as likely to be affected by mania bipolar disorder, the types of bipolar that they experience often differs. Women are more likely to experience a higher rate of rapid cycling, cyclothymia and mixed states. Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disease that is characterized by many hypomanic episodes and less severe depressive episodes. It is possible for those with cyclothymia to develop more severe bipolar at a later date.

Men, on the other hand, tend to more frequently have their bipolar disease accompanied by drug and alcohol abuse, and they also tend to experience early-onset bipolar more frequently, which is a more severe condition.

Individuals who have family members with bipolar disease are more likely to have other disorders such as anxiety disorders, ADHD, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and other psychiatric disorders.

General Bipolar Disease Risk Factors:

Periods of high stress
Abuse of drugs or alcohol
Traumatic experiences or major life changes
First-degree relative, like a sibling or parent with the disorder

Conditions that Can Accompany Bipolar Disease:

ADHD. It’s possible for an individual to be misdiagnosed with ADHD because of overlapping symptoms.
Addiction. Although drugs and alcohol may seem to alleviate the symptoms of bipolar, they only serve to worsen and trigger them.
General health problems. People who suffer from bipolar disease are also more likely to wrestle with thyroid problems, obesity and heart disease.
PTSD. Having post traumatic stress disorder can increase the risk of having bipolar disorder.

If you are interested in learning more about bipolar disease and the mania and depression that characterize it, visit BPHope.com today. They offer their visitors hundreds of articles surrounding the topic including methods of treatment, symptoms, and how those suffering find inspiration.

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