Men and Women Experience Bipolar Disorder Differently
Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide, is a significant concern that can impact various aspects of a person's life, including relationships, work, and daily activities [1]. The disorder is characterised by extreme changes in mood, ranging from mania or hypomania (feeling invincible, hyperactive, and wanting to do anything) to depression (feeling no energy, no desire to do things, and no pleasure in activities) [1].
Although bipolar disorder is diagnosed at similar rates in men and women globally, women in developed countries often show higher prevalence. This trend is influenced by several key factors [2].
Firstly, diagnostic and reporting differences play a significant role. Developed countries have more robust mental health services and awareness, leading to women's bipolar symptoms, especially depressive episodes and rapid mood cycling—which are more common in women—being more frequently recognised and diagnosed [2].
Secondly, hormonal influences may contribute to the higher incidence of bipolar disorder in women. Hormonal fluctuations unique to women can affect mood regulation and contribute to more severe or frequent mood episodes [2].
Thirdly, social roles and help-seeking behaviour can influence the prevalence of bipolar disorder. Women may be more likely to seek help for mood symptoms than men, leading to higher reported prevalence in clinical settings [2].
Lastly, the cultural and economic context also plays a role. Developed countries often have better access to healthcare and lower stigma attached to mental health care, facilitating diagnosis in women [2]. In contrast, underdiagnosis in lower-resource settings limits accurate prevalence data, especially among women [2].
However, it is essential to note that no strong evidence indicates that bipolar disorder itself is inherently more common in women in developed nations. Instead, more frequent depressive-type episodes and better healthcare access explain this observed prevalence pattern [2].
Interestingly, in places where women have more freedom to express their emotions and make decisions, there is an increase in reported cases of mental health problems, including bipolar disorder. Women in developed regions may have less pressure to follow traditional roles, which could lead to a greater emotional impact when making more complex decisions, potentially increasing the risk of bipolar disorder [2].
Women between 30 and 34 years old are the ones with the most differences compared to men in terms of bipolar disorder diagnosis. In these regions, it is easier to receive diagnosis and treatment for bipolar disorder, which increases the number of reported cases [2].
Despite these findings, many people with bipolar disorder do not receive the diagnosis or treatment they need due to stigma and lack of access to mental health services. Understanding the differences in how bipolar disorder affects men and women can help improve treatment and prevention strategies.
[1] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/bipolar-disorder [2] National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
- The study of bipolar disorder as a complex mental health condition falls under the field of psychology, focusing on understanding its impact on a person's personality, emotions, and relationships.
- Health-and-wellness professionals in the science community are actively researching the higher prevalence of bipolar disorder in women, particularly in developed countries, identifying factors like diagnostic differences, hormonal influences, help-seeking behavior, cultural context, and societal expectations as contributors.
- Mental health has become a significant concern in global discussions on women's health, with women between 30 and 34 years old showing more differences in bipolar disorder diagnoses compared to men, likely due to increased access to mental health services.
- In the realm of mental health, it is crucial to address stigma, promote awareness, and expand access to healthcare services for individuals suffering from mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, regardless of gender or location, to facilitate early diagnosis and effective treatment.
