Health Alert Atlanta: Bipolar Disorder Increases Death Rates. Doctor Explains | State

Know this: “This study, like many before, continues to build on the idea that a whole body approach can help in the better management of bipolar disorder. I work with my patients to address factors including mental and physical health contributors. We try to understand suicide risk, substance abuse use, and other underlying medical conditions like ADHD. You’ve got to understand that good and proper management requires a multifactor approach. Please don’t be shy in talking to your healthcare team.” Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.

A new Finnish study found that people with bipolar disorder have a 6 times (6x) higher risk of early death when compared to the general population.

• The increased death risk is due to a combination of factors like suicide, accidents, violence, and poor health.
• The study also found that mismanagement of health problems–including alcohol abuse–greatly contributes to higher death risks in people who have bipolar disorder.
• The study informs that early and targeted interventions could help in reducing the death risk of people who have bipolar disorder.

What they’re saying: “External causes of death contributed more to the mortality gap than somatic causes after controlling for age-specific background general population mortality. A balanced consideration between therapeutic response, different treatment options and risk of cause-specific mortality is needed to prevent premature mortality in BD and to reduce the mortality gap…” (BMJ)