Bipolar Disorder Can Affect Anyone

In 2003 there were nearly 100,000 Australians diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Although it is most commonly recognised in young adults aged 18 to 24 years old (found in up to 1.2% of Australians in this age group) Bipolar Disorder can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, ethnic origin, income, education or occupation.

What causes Bipolar Disorder?

The cause of Bipolar Disorder is not fully understood. However it is likely that there are several factors at work. It seems very likely that there is a genetic component, but there is no simple biological identifier for the illness. More than 50% of people with Bipolar Disorder have at least one parent with a mood disorder.

However, genetics does not explain the whole story and there may be other contributing factors, such as biological rhythms and sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances and to a lesser extent, environmental factors.

New brain imaging studies are revealing more about the changes that take place with the onset of Bipolar Disorder, and contributing significantly to the understanding of the causes, with the prospects for the future being more exciting than ever before.

Increased risk of suicide and disrupted lives

The burden of Bipolar Disorder can be quite high with disrupted relationships, decreased quality of life and increased mortality rates due to suicide.

Today, with the advances in therapies and with appropriate management plans, those living with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.

People with Bipolar Disorder are more likely than average to think about suicide or to make an attempt. The suicide rates remain unacceptably high being 15 times that of the general population. At least a quarter of people with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide, which is a rate even higher than that seen in unipolar depression.

If you think you may be impacted by Bipolar Disorder talk with your doctor. If you go to the questionnaire fill it in and take to your doctor, it may help determine whether further actions or referrals are required. There are many avenues for help starting with your general practitioner.

More information on communicating with your health care professional can be found here.

Quick facts

• There were nearly 100,000 Australians with Bipolar Disorder in 2003
• Bipolar Disorder affects males and females in similar numbers
• More than 50% of people with Bipolar Disorder have at least one parent with a mood disorder.
• One third of Australians with Bipolar Disorder do not receive any treatment
• About 70% of people with Bipolar Disorder will have a close relative (a parent or sibling) who suffers from either Bipolar Disorder or from depression.