Bipolar disorder is characterized by experiencing mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. Manic highs involve periods of high-energy, a reduced need for sleep and sometimes losing touch with reality. Depressive lows include low energy, poor motivation, and a loss of interest. Depressive mood is many times associated with risk for suicide.
Bipolar disorder affects between 1-5% of the U.S. population, has a chronic course and is associated with premature mortality. One specific reason for a decrease in life expectancy among those with bipolar disorder is suicide, which runs anywhere between 10% to 30% higher than the general population. Around 20% of all people with bipolar disorder end their lives by suicide and another 20-60% attempt it sometime in their life.
There are many risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts and actions including:
- One’s clinical history
- Previous suicide attempts
- Right after admission and discharge from the hospital
- Early age at onset
- Early years after the initial diagnosis
- Having other psychiatric or addictive issues
- Rapid cycling of highs and lows
- Depressed mood
Previous suicide attempts and the period after being discharged are the most highly associated risk factors for suicide among those with bipolar disorder. Suicide is less likely when the individual is in the manic or euphoric state and is at a higher risk during periods of depression.
Other risk factors include duration of untreated illness, being male (more lethal attempts), female (more frequent, less lethal attempts), being divorced, single, or single parents living in isolation. Age is also a factor with those under 35 and over 75 at higher risk for self-harm. Problems at work, being physically or sexually abused, and financial problems increase risk. Family history of suicide and major depression also put an individual at greater risk for suicide.
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition, affecting roughly 3 million Americans annually. It is marked by manic highs and depressive lows, during which risk for suicide is heightened. While there are many risk factors associated with suicide, depressed mood, being admitted or discharged from the hospital and a family history are key factors that should be examined each time the individual is seen in a mental health setting.