Why does bipolar disorder reduce life expectancy?

Possible reasons for the decrease in longevity are many. The most obvious are the rate of high-risk behaviors, unhealthy lifestyle, and suicide experienced by many with bipolar disorder. Oxidative stress, which inhibits cell growth and replenishment, can also be a culprit.

Does bipolar disorder reduce life expectancy?

Abstract. Objective: Life expectancy in patients with bipolar disorder has been reported to be decreased by 11 to 20 years. These calculations are based on data for individuals at the age of 15 years.

What is the average life expectancy of someone with bipolar disorder?

The authors found that the pooled life expectancy for patients with bipolar disorder, after removal of 1 outlier study, was 67.4 years (95% CI 65.2-69.7), with no evidence of publication bias. Life expectancy was significantly shorter in men (64.6) compared to women (70.5).

How can bipolar disorder affect life?

You might feel restless and have a hard time making decisions. Your memory may also be low. Bipolar disorder can affect your ability to fall and stay asleep. Manic phases often mean that you need very little sleep, and depressive episodes can result in sleeping more or less than normal.

Does lithium shorten life expectancy?

Lithium treatment in the range of 1 to 25 mM resulted in lifespan extension, whereas higher doses (50–100 mM) shortened lifespan (Figure 1A).

People living with mental illness have shorter life expectancy of 20 years, research finds

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Untreated Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.

What is the life expectancy of a bipolar male?

Bipolar disorder was associated with shorter remaining life expectancy relative to the general population. Estimated LYLs for men with bipolar disorder was 19.90 years compared with 13.12 years for men in the general population, with a difference of 6.78 (95% CI 6.00–7.84) excess LYLs.

Does bipolar damage the brain?

A study by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center indicates that people with bipolar disorder may suffer progressive brain damage.

Is Bipolar 1 or 2 worse?

Those with bipolar 1 experience more severe mania, whereas people with bipolar 2 may have less intense manic symptoms, and more depressive episodes. However, bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, so it's possible your symptoms don't fit with either type 1 or 2.

Does untreated bipolar get worse?

"Bipolar disorder can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. Episodes may become more frequent or more severe over time without treatment. Also, delays in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can contribute to personal, social and work-related problems.

What is the most severe bipolar disorder?

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by predominantly depressive episodes accompanied by occasional hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are milder than manic episodes but can still impair functioning.

Can bipolar turn into dementia?

We found that a history of bipolar disorder significantly increases the risk of dementia in older adults. Our results provide robust evidence that mood disorders in general, and not only major depressive disorders, are associated with increased risk of dementia (17,18).

Is bipolar life threatening?

Untreated, bipolar disorder can be frightening, highly impairing, and life-threatening. With treatment, many with the disorder can go on to live productive and satisfying lives despite the ups and downs of the disorder.

Can bipolar disorder cause death?

In the past 20 years, an increasing body of research has found that bipolar disorder is associated with premature mortality,¹² including an almost 2-fold risk of cardiovascular disease mortality¹³ and 15-fold suicide mortality¹⁴ compared with the general population.

What happens to untreated bipolar?

When left untreated, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder will often increase in severity and may lead to suicide; there is a high suicide rate for people with the disorder. When treated, it's possible to control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and enjoy a more stable and fulfilling life.

What happens to the brain during a bipolar episode?

Bipolar Disorder May Change Your Brain's Chemical Balance

Scientists believe the main neurotransmitters affected by bipolar disorder include: Noradrenaline or norepinephrine, which increases alertness, arousal, and speeds up your reaction time. The neurotransmitter also plays a role in your ability to concentrate.

How are bipolar brains different?

Bipolar patients tend to have gray matter reductions in frontal brain regions involved in self-control (orange colors), while sensory and visual regions are normal (gray colors).

What are 5 signs of bipolar?

Can I drink alcohol if I have bipolar disorder?

Alcohol is known to intensify bipolar disorder due to its sedating effects. It acts similarly to some medications, risking feelings of depression with each swig of alcohol. Alcohol also greatly increases the severity of mania, which many who suffer from bipolar find extremely pleasurable.

Does bipolar affect intelligence?

There's no evidence that suggests bipolar disorder affects intelligence, on the other hand. Some cognitive functions, such as reasoning and memory, may be affected by mood episodes of bipolar disorder.

Does bipolar disorder mess with your memory?

Studies report that some people with bipolar disorder have complained of memory impairment during high moods, low moods, and at times in between. As a person's mood shifts, they may report changes in their memory, too. As the mood becomes more extreme, memory problems can increase.

Can the brain heal from bipolar?

There is no cure for BD but psychotherapy and prescription medication such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines may alleviate symptoms. The brain of bipolar patients shows changes such as reduction in volume and neuroprogression.

What is the best job for a bipolar person?

Can marriage survive bipolar spouse?

If you spouse fully accepts the diagnosis and resolves to get treatment, you could begin working together and make the marriage stronger than ever. Many people with bipolar disorder have happy, successful marriages.

Can someone with bipolar truly love?

Absolutely. Can someone with bipolar disorder have a normal relationship? With work from both you and your partner, yes. When someone you love has bipolar disorder, their symptoms can be overwhelming at times.