Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Facts, Causes & Impact

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that affects approximately 3 percent of the American adult population, or almost 6 million people. While this condition can severely disrupt the life of the patient and wreak havoc on those around them, the disorder is a fascinating one that has intrigued psychologists for decades.

Cause

• While psychologists are still searching for the exact cause of bipolar disorder, a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychology found that a defect in the Slynar Gene, located on the chromosome 12, may be largely responsible.

Onset

• According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the age of onset for bipolar disorder is 18 with the median onset age being 25. However, the medical community is now reconsidering this as more and more incidents of childhood and infant onset are diagnosed.

Famous Patients

• Bipolar has afflicted many recognizable names such as Carrie Fisher, Kurt Cobain, Edgar Allen Poe, Brian Wilson, Vivian Leigh and Mel Gibson.

Prevalence

• Both men and women experience equal incidence of bipolar disorder, however, women tend to experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder more often while men tend most commonly to experience traditional bipolar disorder.

Treatment

• While bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with a variety of medications, such as anti-depressants and mood stabilizers, many patients go off their medications due to the feelings of emotional disconnection the medications can cause.