How many people have bipolar disorder
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Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Overview
Global Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a significant mental health condition affecting millions worldwide. Current estimates suggest that approximately 40 million individuals globally are affected by bipolar disorder4. This figure aligns with other research indicating that BD affects about 50 million people worldwide7. In the United States alone, around 8 million adults are diagnosed with bipolar disorder4.
Prevalence in Specific Populations
United States
In the U.S., bipolar disorder affects approximately 2% of adults6. This prevalence rate is consistent with findings from other studies that suggest a similar percentage of the population is affected3. However, it is important to note that many individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for BD remain undiagnosed, which could mean the actual prevalence is higher3.
Europe
In European countries, the prevalence of bipolar disorder has been studied extensively. Most studies report a 12-month prevalence rate of around 1%, with a range of 0.5% to 1.1%5. The lifetime prevalence is slightly higher, estimated to be between 1.5% and 2%5. When considering the broader spectrum of bipolar disorders, the prevalence increases to approximately 6%5.
Broader Spectrum of Bipolar Disorders
Recent research suggests that the prevalence of bipolar disorder may be higher than previously thought. Historically, it was believed that no more than 1% of the general population had bipolar disorder. However, emerging data indicate that the prevalence could be up to 5%2. This increase is partly due to the recognition of "softer" clinical expressions of bipolarity, such as Bipolar II and other intermediary conditions2.
Diagnostic Challenges and Undiagnosed Cases
One of the significant challenges in understanding the true prevalence of bipolar disorder is the delay in diagnosis. On average, there is an eight-year gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis3. Additionally, up to half of the individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for BD never receive a formal diagnosis3. This underdiagnosis is often due to the hidden nature of the disorder and the biases in clinical settings where research is conducted3.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions globally. While current estimates suggest that around 40 to 50 million people worldwide have bipolar disorder, the actual number may be higher due to undiagnosed cases and broader definitions of the disorder. Understanding the true prevalence of BD is crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment, and overall mental health outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Genome-wide association study of over 40,000 bipolar disorder cases provides new insights into the underlying biology
Bipolar disorder risk alleles are enriched in genes in synaptic signaling pathways and brain-expressed genes, identifying potential therapeutic targets and advancing our understanding of the biological etiology of the disorder.
Observational Study
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedRe-evaluating the prevalence of and diagnostic composition within the broad clinical spectrum of bipolar disorders.
Bipolar disorder has a higher prevalence of up to 5% in the general population, with'softer' clinical expressions accounting for 30-55% of all major depressions.
Highly CitedBipolar Disorders: A Balanced Perspective
Bipolar Disorder is a hidden disorder with an average of eight years between onset and diagnosis, and up to half of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria never receive a diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Review.
Early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder are crucial for a better prognosis, with mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotic drugs being key first-line therapies.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedPrevalence and burden of bipolar disorders in European countries
Bipolar disorders have a prevalence of approximately 1% in European countries, with a high degree of comorbidity and impairments, similar to major depression and schizophrenia.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedBipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a common and costly mental health condition, with screening and effective treatments available for primary care clinicians to effectively manage high-risk groups.
Rigorous JournalGenetic contributions to bipolar disorder: current status and future directions
Bipolar disorder is a highly heritable mental disorder with a complex genetic architecture, but more diverse samples, larger sample sizes, and better understanding of rare variation are needed for improved genetic risk prediction and therapeutic interventions.
Rigorous JournalInterventions for the management of obesity in people with bipolar disorder.
Effective obesity management in people with bipolar disorder involves a combination of non-pharmacological interventions, pharmacological interventions, and bariatric surgery.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalBipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder affects more than 1% of the world's population and is a significant cause of disability and suicide among young people.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMeasurement tools for assessment of older age bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the recent global literature
Older age bipolar disorder (OABD) needs more data to guide assessment and treatment, and identifying current measurements and potential gaps is crucial for coordinated large-scale data collection.
Systematic Review