Bipolar Disorder May Be Outgrown!

[historyteach]

Amazing new research that refutes traditional understanding of the disorder formerly known as Manic-Depression. There is hope afterall. It doesn't automatically mean a lifetime sentence if one is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Some people may outgrow the condition. Read further about the research and findings from the University of Missouri.

Bipolar Disorder May Be Outgrown
By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 30, 2009

A new research effort has come to the conclusion that bipolar disorder, traditionally thought of as a chronic disorder, may dissipate as young adults mature.

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, typically display severe and unusual shifts in mood and energy, which affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Symptoms often start in early adulthood with University of Missouri researchers now suggesting that nearly half of those diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 25 may outgrow the disorder by the time they reach 30.

The finding is a stark contrast to traditional beliefs that view bipolar disorder as a lifelong condition.

“Using two large nationally representative studies, we found that there was a strikingly high peak prevalence of bipolar disorders in emerging adulthood,” said David Cicero, doctoral student in the Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science.

“During the third decade of life, the prevalence of the disorder appears to resolve substantially, suggesting patients become less symptomatic and may have a greater chance of recovery.”

By examining the results of two large national surveys, MU researchers found an “age gradient” in the prevalence of bipolar disorder, with part of the population appearing to outgrow the disorder. In the survey results, 5.5 to 6.2 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 24 suffer from bipolar disorder, but only about 3 percent of people older than 29 suffer from bipolar disorder.

“Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are going through significant life changes and social strain, which could influence both the onset and course of the disorder,” said Kenneth J. Sher, Curators’ Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and co-author of the study.

“During this period of life, young adults are exploring new roles and relationships and begin to leave their parents’ homes for school or work. By the mid-20s, adults have begun to adjust to these changes and begin to settle down and form committed relationships.”

Researchers predict the prevalence of the disorder also could be affected by brain development, particularly the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex, the very front part of the brain, is thought to control perception, senses, personality and intelligence. In particular, it controls reactions to social situations, which can be a challenge for people with bipolar disorder.

“The maturing of the prefrontal cortex of the brain around 25 years of age could biologically explain the developmentally limited aspect of bipolar disorder,” Cicero said. “Other researchers have found a similar pattern in young adults with alcohol or substance abuse disorders.”

While some scholars suggest that the difference could be due to discounting factors such as early mortality, the sheer number of those who are recovering rules out this possibility, Sher said.

The study, “Are There Developmentally Limited Forms of Bipolar Disorder?” was published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. It was co-authored by Cicero, Sher and Amee Epler, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Source: University of Missouri

Inspiring and hopeful, is how I read this article!

Shalom!

[unholy_mess]

As someone who was diagnosed at 22 and is now 24, reading this makes me really happy and hopeful! Thanks for sharing!!

[emmanuel2012]

I was diagnosed bipolar at 22 and coming up on my 32nd birthday.
Thanks for sharing this research. My mother needs to read this LOL

[least]

I wish I could outgrow mine...

[nandm]

Originally Posted by least

I wish I could outgrow mine...

Me too. I wonder how substance abuse and alcoholism play into not outgrowing BP disorder? I wonder simply because I did not outgrow mine but I did not stop drinking until I was 35 and my heaviest drinking years were the years when I would have outgrown this disease according to the study. I wonder if I destroyed my chances of outgrowing it because my brain could not heal and grow because of my alcoholism. Just random thoughts.

[least]

Originally Posted by nandm

Me too. I wonder how substance abuse and alcoholism play into not outgrowing BP disorder? I wonder simply because I did not outgrow mine but I did not stop drinking until I was 35 and my heaviest drinking years were the years when I would have outgrown this disease according to the study. I wonder if I destroyed my chances of outgrowing it because my brain could not heal and grow because of my alcoholism. Just random thoughts.

I wondered the same thing after reading it. Is it because I was drinking that I didn't/couldn't outgrow it? I wonder if any studies have been done on that?

[historyteach]

Well, this is new research.
So, it's possible that now that you've stopped drinking,
you may still outgrow the temporary disorder.
Assuming you have that type of bipolar, that is.
And, I hope you both do!

Remember, there is always hope.
So, don't give up until the miracle happens!

Shalom!