Title: Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk: Symptoms and More
Bipolar disorder, or BD, is a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience swinging moods, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. This disorder can also increase a person's risk of suicide.
If someone has chronic BD, they will experience constant recurring symptoms throughout their life. On the other hand, when someone has episodic BD, they will encounter these symptoms from time to time at regular intervals.
This article will discuss the relationship between BD and suicide risk, as well as available treatment options and ways to prevent suicidal ideations.
Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk
During manic episodes, individuals may experience heightened emotions, feeling extremely happy, irritable, or touchy. Alternatively, during depressive episodes, individuals may feel deeply sad, anxious, and find it challenging to concentrate or make decisions.
Vulnerable individuals with BD may also experience suicidal thoughts. It's been researched that BD can contribute to a person's risk of suicide, as the rate of suicide in individuals with BD can be 10-30 times higher than that in the general population.
What the Research Says
Research shows that around 20% of people with BD ultimately die by suicide, with the majority of these instances occurring in individuals with untreated BD. Moreover, between 20% and 60% of people diagnosed with this disorder attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideations in Individuals with BD
Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of suicidal ideations in individuals with BD. After leaving the hospital following treatment for BD, the period soon after discharge is commonly associated with suicidal ideations.
Admission to the hospital for treatment may also increase an individual's risk of suicide. Being hospitalized frequently due to BD also puts individuals at a higher risk of suicidal or self-harming behavior.
Other factors that can lead to an increased risk of suicide include:
- Receiving a BD diagnosis at a younger age
- Experiencing the first few years following a BD diagnosis
- Co-existing mental health conditions (e.g., substance use disorders, somatic disorders)
- Rapid cycling BD
- Being male
- Living alone
- Being under 35 or over 75 years old
- Going through a divorce
- Having no children
- Being unemployed
- Having a family history of suicide or suicide attempts
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
Medication is often the primary treatment for BD, with mood stabilizers commonly used in managing symptoms. Mood stabilizers for BD include lithium and valproate, which can help minimize symptoms during manic and depressive episodes.
Psychotherapy can also be effective for individuals with BD, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Through CBT, patients can learn to recognize and alter negative patterns of thought and behavior, improving their problem-solving skills and coping strategies.
Preventing Suicidal Ideations with Bipolar Disorder
Treatment options for BD can significantly reduce an individual's risk of suicide. Research indicates that lithium is the most effective suicide prevention medication for people with BD, reducing the risk of suicide by up to 60% compared to a placebo.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can also provide effective treatment for depressive episodes in BD and is often considered a potentially effective measure for preventing suicide.
Psychotherapy also plays a role in suicide prevention, showing promising results in reducing an individual's risk of suicide.
Bipolar Disorder Resources
For more in-depth resources on bipolar disorder, visit our dedicated hub for research-backed information.
When to Seek Help
Due to the serious nature of suicidal thoughts or actions, it's crucial to seek medical help if you or someone you know displays any of the following symptoms:
- consistently talking about death or suicide
- experiencing hopelessness or feelings of having no reason to live
- withdrawing from loved ones
- feeling like a burden to others
- exhibiting signs of being trapped or having no solutions to their problems
- experiencing emotional or physical pain that feels unbearable
- giving away possessions or saying goodbye to loved ones
- making statements about wanting to die by suicide or having a suicide plan
Suicide is preventable, and seeking help is essential for breaking the cycle of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Individuals who are vulnerable to BD and experiencing suicidal thoughts during their manic or depressive episodes may find comfort in knowing that their risk of suicide is significantly reduced with proper treatment. Research has demonstrated that lithium, a common mood stabilizer used in managing BD symptoms, can reduce the risk of suicide by up to 60% compared to a placebo.
