Our grateful thanks to Bipolar UK for their input to our radio feature which you can hear again at the bottom of this page. To connect with the charity see our links page.
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder marked by extreme mood swings—from elevated, manic highs to deep, depressive lows. These shifts can last days, weeks, or even months, and may significantly disrupt everyday life.
How Common Is It in the UK? Approximately 1.3 million people in the UK live with bipolar—about 1 in 50 adults. That makes it more prevalent than dementia, epilepsy, autism, and learning disabilities Young people are particularly affected: 3.4% of 16–24-year-olds screened positive, compared to 0.4% of older adults. Lifetime prevalence estimates range from 1% to 2%, with some research suggesting up to 5% may fall on the bipolar spectrum.
Why Awareness Matters? It takes an average of 9.5 years to receive a correct bipolar diagnosis, often after misdiagnosis multiple times. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, bipolar carries a suicide risk up to 20 times higher than the general population. The economic burden is substantial—estimates put annual costs at £6–£20 billion, driven by healthcare, lost productivity, and social impacts.
Symptoms & Impacts
The condition can lead to shorter life expectancy—by 10 to 15 years—often due to suicide or co-occurring health challenges.
Treatment, Support & Emerging Insights? Bipolar cannot be cured—but it is treatable. Options include mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy. Lithium has declined in use despite evidence of effectiveness, partly due to monitoring requirements and side-effect concerns. Recent research links metabolic factors and diet—like ketogenic diets—to mood stability in bipolar depression, offering hopeful new avenues for study.
Bipolar UK (see linkspage) offers extensive peer support via in-person groups, one-to-one support, and a moderated online community.
You’re Not Alone. Whether you're living with bipolar or supporting someone who is, confidence, tools, and connection matter. Reach out to Bipolar UK (see links page) for resources, education, and a community that understands.
Listen to this weeks radio report
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
