– People with bipolar disorder are 4-6 times more likely to die prematurely than those without the disorder, according to a study of thousands of people.
– Bipolar disorder increases a person's risk of death far more than a history of smoking or age
– The study analyzed data from the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder and anonymous patient records collected at University of Michigan Health clinic
– A diagnosis of bipolar disorder increases the risk of premature death by 6 times in a 10-year period and 2.3 times for those over 60 years old
– Both manic and depressive episodes carry risks that can affect lifespan, with manic episodes leading to risky decisions and depression leading to self harm and suicide
– While deaths by suicide are more obviously attributable to mental illness, bipolar disorder can have an indirect impact on lifespan by up to 8-10 year
– Up to 70% of people with bipolar smoke, making them at higher risk for cancers associated with smoking
– Psychiatric disorders can be a secondary contributor to premature death, not the main cause of death.