Depression:Bipolar Disorder

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The Risk of Suicide for Bipolar Patients


Bipolar disorder is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, and has a suicide rate of up to 20%. Studies suggest that half of people living with bipolar disorder have attempted to kill themselves.

Ask If They're Suicidal
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Not all people with bipolar disorder have an equal suicide risk. Investigators who examined records from more than 32,000 members of two large prepaid health plans who had been treated for bipolar disorder determined that men with bipolar made fewer suicide attempts than women but were more likely than women to die when they did attempt suicide.

People who had high anxiety levels made more suicide attempts than other people with bipolar disorder and also were more likely to succeed in their attempts to kill themselves.

If you have bipolar disorder, call 911 or other emergency services if you:
  • Think you cannot stop from harming yourself or someone else.
  • Hear voices that are new or more upsetting than normal.
  • Want to commit suicide, or you know someone who has mentioned wanting to commit suicide.

Warning signs of suicide include:
  • Use of illegal drugs or drinking alcohol heavily.
  • Talking, writing, or drawing about death, including writing suicide notes and speaking of items that can cause physical harm, such as pills, guns, or knives.
  • Spending long periods of time alone.
  • Giving away possessions.
  • Acting aggressive or suddenly appearing calm.

Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting may be enough if a mood episode has just started and you are taking proper medications. If your mood episode has not improved within 2 weeks, call your doctor.

If you have a loved one who is experiencing a manic episode and is behaving irrationally, help the person seek treatment.
Last Updated: March 14, 2008 See Full Credits Disclaimer
Last Updated: May 07, 2008


Last Updated: March 14, 2008
Author:
Jeannette Curtis
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry


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