Most studies, but not all, report an almost equal gender ratio in the prevalence of bipolar disorder but the majority of studies do report an increased risk in women of bipolar II/hypomania, rapid cycling and mixed episodes.
Bipolar Disorder (BD) has been traditionally included among psychiatric conditions with no gender difference in terms of lifetime prevalence in the general population, (Weissman et al.
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes. Although men and women appear to be equally affected by bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is seen more often in women. Women also tend to experience more depressive and mixed state episodes than do men.
Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.
Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor.
Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and the prevalence of anxiety disorders is significantly higher for women (23.4 percent) than men (14.3 percent).
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Depression can occur at any age. Some mood changes and depressed feelings occur with normal hormonal changes. But hormonal changes alone don't cause depression.
Recent anxiety statistics also highlight that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder compared to men, which could be a result of trying to manage it all.
Stress appears to be differently experienced between genders: emotional exhaustion prevails in women, while men tend to feel more depersonalized.
Most women with bipolar disorder have a healthy pregnancy and baby, but there are some risks to be aware of. You may become unwell during your pregnancy, but the risk is higher after you give birth. Women with bipolar disorder are more likely to get: postnatal depression.
Unless their condition is causing noticeable dysfunction that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it's perfectly okay to date someone with bipolar disorder I or II. Every person you date is likely to have different strengths and needs. That same logic goes for people with mental health conditions.
“When you're in a hypomanic or manic state, you're also more likely to feel you're in love,” says Haase. “You may then act on that feeling when making major long-term life decisions, not understanding your state had something to do with what you were feeling.”
Loving someone with bipolar disorder can be rewarding. Despite the possible mood swings and the potential for ups and downs, the possibility of experiencing a deep emotional connection and having a fulfilling relationship is possible and attainable for many.
You can develop BD at any age, but it's more frequent when people are in their 20s. Research indicates one-percent of kids ages 14 to 18 also meet the criteria. However, psychiatrists are cautious about making the diagnosis in teens for two reasons: First, doctors have to rule out other mental health conditions.
Mania and hypomania are distinct episodes but with the same symptoms. During manic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit grandiose delusions, such as believing they have special powers or abilities, or that they are destined for greatness.
Are my periods of happiness just mania? My short answer is: Yes, a person who lives with bipolar disorder can certainly be truly happy.
“I understand that it's your illness that causes these thoughts and feelings.” “You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling can and will change.” “I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help and support you.”
For some women though, giving birth will trigger their first bipolar episode. A person with bipolar disorder will experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression), which can continue for weeks and, in some cases, months. It is an uncommon disorder and there is usually a family history.
A child of one parent with bipolar disorder and one without has a 15% to 30% chance of having BP. If both parents have bipolar disorder, there's a 50% to 75% chance that a child of theirs will, too. If you already have one child with BP, there is a 15% to 25% chance that another of your children will also have it.
Mothers and fathers diagnosed with bipolar disorder can still be great parents. What people don't understand is that bipolar disorder is a medical illness just like cancer or diabetes, and it requires medication to treat the symptoms of the illness. If treated, we can be wonderful parents.
Statistics about women and girls' mental health
Today, women are three times more likely than men to experience common mental health problems. In 1993, they were twice as likely. Rates of self-harm among young women have tripled since 1993.
Conclusions: Women are more motivated regarding academic achievements than men. In addition to intrinsic motivation, the most important factors for academic grades are some personality traits, gender, and cultural differences.