by A new study has found that having bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes, significantly increases the risk of premature death. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, reveals that individuals with bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to die prematurely compared to those without the condition. This risk is even higher than that associated with smoking, as individuals who have ever smoked are only twice as likely to die prematurely, regardless of whether they have bipolar disorder or not.
The study, published in the journal Psychiatry Research, compared mortality rates among two groups of people – those with bipolar disorder and those without. The researchers analyzed data from a long-term study conducted by the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program, which included 1,128 participants with and without bipolar disorder. Among the 56 deaths that occurred since the study began in 2006, only two were from the group of individuals without bipolar disorder.
After adjusting for statistical factors, the researchers found that individuals with bipolar disorder were six times more likely to die in a 10-year period compared to those without the condition. In comparison, individuals who had ever smoked or were over the age of 60 were only twice as likely to die during the same time frame, irrespective of their bipolar status.
To validate these findings, the researchers also analyzed data from over 18,000 patients who received primary care through Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan’s academic medical center. They found that individuals with bipolar disorder were four times more likely to die compared to those without bipolar disorder.
What was surprising to the researchers was that having bipolar disorder presented a greater risk of premature death than smoking. This highlights the urgent need for increased efforts in preventing early deaths among individuals with bipolar disorder, as well as greater focus on mental health in general. While there have been numerous campaigns and programs aimed at smoking prevention and cardiovascular disease awareness, mental health has not received the same level of attention, despite the fact that approximately 4% of Americans live with bipolar disorder, compared to the 11.5% who smoke.
Moreover, the study found that individuals with bipolar disorder were more likely to smoke, with almost half of the U-M patients with bipolar disorder having a history of smoking. Additionally, they were more likely to have other health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, fibromyalgia, and thyroid conditions.
The researchers also discovered that high blood pressure was associated with a fivefold higher risk of death among individuals with bipolar disorder, while smoking was associated with a twofold higher risk. The findings indicate that addressing the health risk behaviors and specific causes of death among individuals with bipolar disorder could significantly improve their overall health and quality of life.
To achieve this, the researchers recommend educating both teenagers and adults on effective coping mechanisms for stress, distress, and mood fluctuations. They also emphasize the need to identify depression symptoms early and ensure that individuals receive prompt help. This is particularly important as bipolar disorder often starts with depression, and there are currently no reliable methods for predicting which individuals will develop the condition, although a family history of bipolar disorder increases the risk.
In conclusion, individuals with bipolar disorder face a significantly higher risk of premature death compared to those without the condition. The study highlights the need for enhanced efforts in the medical and public health communities to address the specific factors that contribute to this increased risk. By prioritizing mental health and implementing comprehensive support and care programs, it is possible to improve the overall well-being and lifespan of individuals with bipolar disorder.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
