Men & Bipolar Disorder

by Tara Reynolds

Overview

Men with bipolar disorder face different challenges than women.

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Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. Those afflicted may alternate between periods of excitability and agitation and bouts of severe depression. There is no cure, but medication can be effective in managing symptoms and stabilizing mood.
The Facts

Both men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the United States. Of both sexes, those under 30 are at higher risk of developing the disorder.

Significance

According to Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, bipolar disorders impact about 2.6 percent of the U.S. adult population. Men, however, are more often misdiagnosed as schizophrenic than women.
Considerations

Men are more likely to experience a manic episode as their first sign of bipolar disorder. Women generally experience a depressive phase at the onset of the illness.
Warning

In a study from the University of California at Los Angeles, Mark Frye and fellow researchers found that men with bipolar disorder are three times more likely to become alcoholics than other men.
Famous Ties

Famous men with bipolar disorder include Kurt Cobain, Vincent Van Gogh, Dick Cavett, Charley Pride, Jonathan Winters and Jean-Claude Van Damme.