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
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