Is bipolar disorder on the rise?
Various studies indicate that the mood disorder may be becoming more prevalent among young people.
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania. Mania is an abnormally elevated mood state that can last for weeks.
Bipolar disorder has a high mortality rate when compared to other psychiatric disorders. People with the disorder are at an increased risk for suicide, substance abuse disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Little is known about what causes bipolar disorder. Many experts chalk it down to genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors account for about 70–90% of the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Environmental factors such as a history of childhood abuse, long-term stress, and sexual trauma can also place people at risk of developing the disorder.
Now, to answer the question, is bipolar disorder on the rise? Well, the answer is not so simple.
One of the assumed reasons why bipolar disorder is becoming more prevalent is increased marijuana use. As the use of marijuana becomes more socially acceptable, the likelihood of marijuana abuse increases. Recent research led by Oregon Health & Science University reveals adolescent cannabis abuse in the United States has increased dramatically by about 245% since the year 2000.
Marijuana abuse puts people at risk for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at a higher risk of developing these disorders.
It’s important to remember that only those who abuse the substance are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. Those who smoke infrequently are at far lower risk and should only be concerned if they start experiencing symptoms.
