Who gets affected by bipolar disorder?

Both men and women are affected at the same rate. Genetics and ones family history appear to both have some influence over the likelihood of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is more common in those who have a sibling or parent with the illness and in families having several generations affected with mood disorders. Differing rates of bipolar disorder have not been reported for different races. Lower socioeconomic status may be slightly linked to a higher rate of bipolar disorder. Men and women have an equal chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. The first episode in men tends to be a manic episode, while women are more likely to first experience a depressive episode. The estimated average age for the onset of bipolar disorder is during the early 20s, although there have been reports of the disorder beginning as early as elementary school. In fact, bipolar disorder appears before age 20 in about one in five manic individuals.

Who gets bipolar disorder?

It is not clear what causes bipolar disorder (or depression, for that matter). However, it is known that bipolar disorder has strong genetic links: more than 60% of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with either bipolar disorder or with unipolar major depression. So if someone in your immediate family has had some form of depression (particularly if they were bipolar themselves) you are more likely to be diagnosed as bipolar.It affects men and women equally, unlike major depression which tends to affect more women. It has also been noted that highly creative people - including artists, musicians, authors and poets - exhibit signs of bipolar disorder in disproportionate numbers. Some have been diagnosed relatively recently (Stephen Fry, Ben Stiller) while others received treatment or managed themselves for years (Margot Kidder, Jeremy Brett). Historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Hans Christian Anderson were later "diagnosed" through diaries or letters and analysis of their works and behavior. It is possible that the combination of the manic highs and depressive lows give creative people new insight, or a different way of viewing the world; it is also possible that whatever causes the extra creativity in the brain also creates a greater tendency towards bipolar disorder.

Who is affected by bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder affects both men and women, and over 2 million American adults have it. Most often, the first episode happens when a person is in their late teens to early 20s. But it can also happen in young children and older adults. Some people are born with a greater chance of getting bipolar disorder. This is because it can run in families