Myths and Facts

There are many myths about bipolar disorder. Knowing the facts may help you and your loved ones feel more at ease.

Myth: Mental illnesses are not real medical illnesses.
Fact: Mental illnesses are real medical illnesses that have a physical cause. Research shows that mental disorders can run in families. But they can be treated.

Myth: Bipolar disorder is usually just temporary.
Fact: Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness. It is often first seen in early adulthood. But it can also first happen in older adults.

Myth: It is easy to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Fact: Recognizing symptoms of bipolar disorder can be challenging sometimes. Some people will have more than one depressive episode before they have a manic episode. People may not know when they are having a manic episode. They may only notice the times of depression. So patients are often first treated for depression alone before they are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms and whether you have times of extreme highs and lows.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder are usually dangerous or violent.
Fact: Having a mental illness such as bipolar disorder does not mean that someone is prone to violence. In fact, research shows that the risk of violence among individuals with a mental illness is very small.

Myth: Being treated for a mental illness is a sign of weakness.
Fact: Mental illnesses are no different from physical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Bipolar disorder is a real medical illness, and it is important to get treatment for it.

Myth: Medications for bipolar disorder are basically all the same.
Fact: There are many different types of medicines that are used to treat bipolar mania, and each works in its own way. The same medicines do not work for everyone. Even if one bipolar medicine does not work for you, others may.

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