Bipolar Disorder: Long Term Outlook

Although bipolar disorder most frequently begins during young adult years (20s to mid-30s), the illness has been diagnosed in children as young as 7-years old and adults older than 70. Nine out of ten individuals that experience their first manic episode begin a cycle of mania and depression, which is the hallmark of bipolar disorder.

Years may elapse between episodes of bipolar disorder, however recurrences typically become more frequent and episodes usually increase in severity with each new episode of the illness. Some patients, especially women, experience four or more episodes per year.

Although the individual may regain a state of normalcy between episodes, about a quarter of bipolar patients experience mood instability even between acute cycles of mania and depression. In addition, bipolar disorder causes problems throughout a lifetime. Over half of bipolar patients have trouble maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships. In addition, some studies indicate that bipolar disorder may affect both long and short-term memory, their ability to quickly process information, and their ability to adapt to change. These problems may continue between episodes of the illness, resulting in difficulties in the workplace as well as an individual’s personal life.

Key to managing bipolar disorder is recognizing the disease and seeking competent health care. There is no cure for bipolar disorder. The same as diabetes, epilepsy, and thyroid disorders, bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that requires management throughout a person’s life. Without treatment, episodes of both mania and depression become increasingly severe.

Although a comprehensive treatment plan, including both medication and psychotherapy, alleviates symptoms in most individual’s, nevertheless the bipolar patient may continue to experience episodes of the illness. This is especially true in cases where the illness is manifested in rapid cycles of mania and depression. However, mood-stabilizing medication can help the individual recognize the onset of an episode and professional psychotherapies can provide him or her with the tools needed to maintain a better balance and overall improve one’s quality of life.

When the illness is untreated, the risk of suicide is high for the bipolar individual. Most often, suicidal thoughts and ideas are attributed to the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. However, the bipolar individual is at equally high risk during the manic phase of the illness. During mania, an individual may ignore practical restrictions and limitations, impulsively putting him or herself in harm’s way. With taking an active part in a treatment plan, an individual learns to recognize suicidal tendencies and feelings as controllable symptoms of the illness.

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