Study shows bipolar disorder often goes untreated

A recent study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that despite international variation in prevalence rates of bipolar disorder, the condition's severity is similar and individuals often go without treatment.

Previous research found that bipolar disease may be responsible for the loss of more disability-adjusted life-years than all forms of cancer or major neurologic conditions. The new study found that in the combined sample of 61,392 participants, nearly 0.6 percent were diagnosed with the condition.

Furthermore, approximately 0.4 percent of individuals had a lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder 2, while nearly 1.3 percent had a sub-threshold bipolar disorder. Researchers, concluded that prevalency rates are 2.4 percent worldwide.

In the study, almost three out of four people with bipolar disorder also suffered from depression, while almost 51 percent reported mania. Nearly 74 percent also met the criteria for at least one other disorder, such as anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. Parents who suspect their teen to suffer from this condition may want to enroll them in a boarding school to receive individual therapy.