How common is bipolar disorder?

  • About 1 in 40 American adults live with bipolar disorder.
  • About 1% of American teenagers live with bipolar disorder.
  • Unlike many other mental illnesses, bipolar disorder affects men and women equally.
  • Bipolar disorder tends to run in families.
  • Although bipolar disorder is less common than depression and anxiety, it is the 6th leading cause of disability worldwide!
  • It can take an average of 10 years from the time you first experience symptoms to the time you are actually diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
  • Many people who live with bipolar disorder also struggle with addictions.

Most people who have bipolar disorder are diagnosed with something else first. They are often misdiagnosed with depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, or physical health conditions. (It’s also possible to have one of these along with bipolar disorder.)

If you think you might have bipolar disorder, take our free and confidential bipolar test. It can be scary to learn that you might have bipolar disorder. Fortunately, bipolar disorder is treatable. You’re not alone!

Was this helpful?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more hopeful about your mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more confident in managing your mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more hopeful about your mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more confident in managing your mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Topics

Click on each topic to see more articles:

  1. Bipolar Disorder

Take a Bipolar Test

For people experiencing extreme mood swings or unusual shifts in mood and energy.

Take a Bipolar Test