How common is bipolar disorder?

More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. The potential for attempting suicide is high for those suffering from Bipolar Disorder. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

Bipolar Disorder is not to be confused with mild mood swings. Those suffering from Bipolar Disorder lead very unstable lives, and the potential of mania or depression is a constant problem for them. Based on the above bipolar statistics, it is clear that Bipolar Disorder affects the lives of many people.