Bipolar disorder linked to significant risk of mortality, up to sixfold higher

Key points:

• Bipolar disorder is characterised by severe and prolonged changes in a person’s mood — ranging from symptoms of depression to phases of mania

• People who live with bipolar disorder may act impulsively or demonstrate a lack of self-preservation through impulsive behaviour

• Researchers published their findings from the association between bipolar disorder and mortality in The British Medical Journal — The BMJ

People who live with bipolar disorder may face a significantly higher risk of mortality relative to the general population, according to newly published research. The study, published in The British Medical Journal — The BMJ — revealed that of the 47,018 people monitored who lived with bipolar disorder, aged 15 – 64 years during 2004 – 2018, seven percent were no longer alive during the follow-up period.

Finnish researchers found that those with bipolar disorder had a sixfold higher mortality rate due to external causes, in addition to a twofold higher risk of death due to ‘somatic’ causes — a term which indicates ‘physical’ as opposed to brain-related causes.

Authors of the research study noted that ‘external causes’ of death, which are the leading mortality risk associated with bipolar disorder, included suicide. ‘Somatic’ causes also included alcohol dependence, misuse and poisoning. People with bipolar disorder were found to be at higher risk of premature death due to alcohol-related disease than cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The report detailed that of the 3,300 people who died by external causes 651 — 61 percent — deaths were attributed to suicide. Statistically, people with bipolar disorder who die as a result of an excess external cause were eight times more likely to have taken their own life when compared to the national average.

Researchers included input on the correlation between excess alcohol consumption, increased risk of suicide and potential support.

“In addition to known effective pharmacological treatment with mood stabilisers, accidental deaths could be prevented by psychosocial interventions targeting treatment compliance and risk-taking behaviours, particularly those associated with substance abuse,” the Discussion section stated.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS, may fund support, planning, management and recovery coach options for a person with bipolar disorder if it is deemed a psychosocial impairment.

Once diagnosed, a person with a psychosocial disability can undergo psychological therapy with a doctor, psychologist or other health professionals, take medication to restore the chemical imbalances in their brain and reduce symptoms and attend community support programs.

People who live with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms of psychosis during periods of mania, which can impact a person’s ability to:

• Be in certain types of environments
• Concentrate
• Cope with time pressures and multiple tasks
• Interact with others
• Understand constructive feedback
• Manage stress

Type-one bipolar disorder is characterised by longer periods of severe mania which may require intervention and funding through NDIS support, whereas type-two bipolar is defined by shorter and potentially manageable periods of ‘hypomania.’

For more information about the dangers of alcohol misuse or support for alcohol dependance, please visit the Government directory for a range of contact information and guidance.

Alcoholics Anonymous — 1300 222 222

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636

Dementia Support Australia — 1800 699 799

Mental Health Emergency — 13 14 65

Lifeline — 13 11 14