Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in an individual's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from normal ups and downs, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severeresulting in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there's good news: Bipolar disorder can be treated, and patients can go on to lead full and productive lives. Here, a look at the illness by the numbers:
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80 to 90: Percentage of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder who have a family history of depression.
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20: Average age for onset of bipolar disorder.
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90: Estimated percentage of people who experience one manic episode that go on to have future manic episodes.
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50: Estimated percentage of bipolar disorder sufferers who are female.
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11: Percentage of people with bipolar disorder who take only one medication (also known as monotherapy).
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15 to 20: Approximate percentage of people with bipolar disorder who commit suicide.
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3 to 4: Number of medications taken by the majority of bipolar sufferers.
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5.7 million: Estimated number of American adults living with bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
