When it comes to bipolar disorder (also sometimes called manic depression), there are more than two ways to look at it. The psychological condition is more complicated than you might think, and there’s actually more than one type.
While the disorder is commonly marked by extreme ups and downs, there’s more to know about it whether you’re dealing with it yourself or a loved one is. There’s also a lot of misinformation about bipolar out there – so here are 13 myths dispelled along with facts…
Bipolar Disorder is Not So Rare
While you might think bipolar disorder only affects the chosen few, that’s not the case according to WebMD. The source says it actually affects about 5.7-million adults in the U.S. in any given year, which is approaching 3-percent of the adult population.
The total numbers can grow substantially when you add those with the disorder under 18, but there’s debate about the criteria for a diagnosis in younger people, it adds. The source says it’s estimated that about 750,000-children and teens may suffer from bipolar disorder.