Is bipolar a life threatening illness?

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 a person with bipolar live a normal life?

Bipolar disorder — or manic depression, as it is also still sometimes called — has no known cure. It is a chronic health condition that requires lifetime management. Plenty of people with this condition do well; they have families and jobs and live normal lives.

Can bipolar lead to schizophrenia?

People with bipolar disorder can also experience psychotic symptoms during a manic or depressive episode. These can include hallucinations or delusions. Because of this, people may mistake their symptoms of bipolar disorder for those of schizophrenia.

Can you have a bipolar episode and not experience any symptoms?

While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

What mental disorders are associated with bipolar I disorder?

People with bipolar I often have other mental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an anxiety disorder or substance use disorder. The risk of suicide is significantly higher among people with bipolar disorder than among the general population.

What happens when bipolar disorder is left untreated?

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as: Problems related to drug and alcohol use Suicide or suicide attempts Legal or financial problems Damaged relationships Poor work or school performance

What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder?

In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous. In some cases, when medication and psychotherapy have not helped, a treatment known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used. ECT uses a brief electrical current applied to the scalp while the patient is under anesthesia.