Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide
People with bipolar disorder are at great risk for suicide if they are not getting treatment. The National Mental Health Association reports that 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from a form of depression. Men commit almost 75% of suicides, even though twice as many women attempt it.

Risk factors for suicide include:

    • Having mental and substance abuse disorders
    • Family history of mental or substance abuse disorders
    • Having attempted suicide previously
    • Having a family history of physical or sexual abuse
    • Having family members or friends who have attempted suicide
    • Keeping a firearm in the home
Some warning signs of suicide include:

    • Talking about suicide
    • Always talking or thinking about death
    • Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
    • Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
    • Worsening depression
    • A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
    • Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
    • Losing interest in things one used to care about
    • Visiting or calling people one cares about
    • Putting affairs in order, tying up lose ends, changing a will
SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic: "Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Disorder)." WebMD Assess Plus: Bipolar Disorder Assessment. National Institute for Mental Health: "Step-BD Womens Studies." Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Clinic & Research Program. MedicineNet.com: "Bipolar Disorder (Mania)." WebMD Medical Reference with The Cleveland Clinic: "Effects of Untreated Depression." American Psychiatric Association: "Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Disorder."
Reviewed by Amal Chakraburtty, MD on July 22, 2008