Compared to other people, adults with autism are at higher risk for bipolar disorder, a serious mental health condition that often begins in a person's teens or 20s. Bipolar disorder affects about 1 in 10 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
As with other psychiatric disorders, studies suggest that bipolar disorder may be relatively common among children and adults with autism. Some studies have found that as many as 27 percent of those with autism also have symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Doctors sometimes mistakenly diagnose autistic people with bipolar disorder because both conditions share some similar behavioral differences. Overlapping behavioral differences between ASD and bipolar disorder include: elevated or depressed mood. intense irritability.
Bipolar can be in combination with Aspergers and this is, most often, the case. However, it is not clear if the neurological factors that cause Aspergers are related to the chemical imbalances that are thought to be the cause of pediatric bipolar disorder.
The most common co-occurring personality disorder in those with autism is borderline personality disorder (BPD). Studies looking into common traits between the two found that people with ASD and BPD were significantly challenged in emotional and social functioning.
However, according to the autism research charity Autistica, seven out of ten autistic people have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Autism and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ADHD affects an estimated 30 to 60 percent of people with autism, versus 6 to 7 percent of the general population.
Some mental health experts have described bipolar disorder as a spectrum disorder. This is because it can involve moods at both ends of the spectrum with individuals experiencing both very high and very low moods.
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism and tic disorders.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
A number of other mental disorders are associated with mood swings. Mental disorders which may be commonly confused with bipolar disorder include Borderline Personality Disorder , Schizoaffective Disorder, Unipolar Depression, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
While bipolar disorder can't be cured, symptoms can be controlled with an effective treatment plan. Are you struggling with your mental health? Call us today to get help. Bipolar disorder may worsen with age or over time if the condition is left untreated.
In case-control studies, the pooled RR was 1.69; in the 2 cohort studies, it was 1.47. The stratified meta-analysis demonstrated an increased risk for ASD in the children of parents with depressive disorder (RR, 1.37) and bipolar disorder (RR, 1.87).
Autism, ADHD, and bipolar disorder
While it might be unlikely to have more than two conditions at one time, it is possible.
Other types of neurodivergence include Tourette's, dyspraxia, synesthesia, dyscalculia, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and chronic mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
People with autism may have periods of irritability, aggression, pacing, hyperactivity, and loss of sleep that can look like symptoms of bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist reviews a person's symptoms and examines whether there is a cycle of changing moods over time.
While people with autism may feel depressed, autism doesn't cause depression or suicidal thoughts like bipolar disorder can. Additionally, people with autism are likely to have difficulties with speech, social situations and sensory challenges. These are not challenges people with bipolar disorder experience.
They found that 12 risk genes for bipolar disorder were also linked to intelligence. In 75 % of these genes, bipolar disorder risk was associated with higher intelligence. In schizophrenia, there was also a genetic overlap with intelligence, but a higher proportion of the genes was associated with cognitive impairment.
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 and rarely develops after 40. Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between people.
Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.
However, there are primary characteristics that are associated with ASD. The primary characteristics are 1) poorly developed social skills, 2) difficulty with expressive and receptive communication, and 3) the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can make autism worse. Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism.