Bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by alternating episodes of depression and elevated mood (mania), is one of the most stigmatized mental health issues. Although, with the general increase in awareness regarding mental wellbeing, the stigma is notably less, there is still much to work on.
The stigma surrounding bipolar disorder is, to a large extent, related to the misconceptions and myths surrounding this condition. So today, in this article, we will look into some of the misconceptions about bipolar disorder in hopes of increasing awareness about this condition.
1. Bipolar Disorder Is a Result of Family Negligence
If a person is afflicted with bipolar disorder, people tend to think that it’s the parents’ fault. Accusing parents of incompetence is a common misconception, one that, unfortunately, increases the burden on the patient and their family (1).
Although science was able to identify some risk factors that might contribute to the appearance of bipolar disorder, we still have no idea what really causes it. Arbitrary putting the blame on anyone achieves nothing but increasing the stigma around bipolar disorder (2).
2. People With Bipolar Disorder Are Dangerous
A very common myth and misconception that surrounds bipolar disorder is that a patient with bipolar disorder is dangerous. Much to the degree that many will go to the extent of putting distance between them and the patient.
Well, this could not have been any further from the truth. A study in the Journal of Psychology looked into aggression among those diagnosed with bipolar. What they found was that only 11.92% demonstrated aggressive behavior, most of which is verbal. This number dropped to 2.64% during euthymia, a level that’s close to that of a population that doesn’t suffer from mental disorders. Not just that, the episodes were mainly related to alcohol or substance abuse, which shows even when aggression is present, there are other contributing factors (3).
3. Bipolar Disorder Is Nothing But Mood Swings
Due to the fact that bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania, many people would tell you that “we all have mood swings.” But bipolar disorder is not just mood swings; the highs and lows of bipolar disorder are quite severe, last for a long duration, and often happen without a trigger. Unlike mood swings, which are mild, transient, and are often caused by a trigger.
4. Mania Is Great!
A common misconception is that mania is nothing but fun and good. While people with bipolar disorder tend to feel good or better during mania episodes, it’s not as great as people think it is. Mania is often accompanied by a loss of insight that results in erratic decisions. Even if the mania phase was pleasant, the consequences of it can lead to regret (4).
5. Medications Can Cure Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic lifetime condition, and like other chronic conditions, it cannot be cured. Medications, however, help the patient achieve more control over the disorder; they make the symptoms less severe but do not cure.
The Bottomline
Spreading awareness about the misconceptions and myths surrounding bipolar disorder is of utmost importance. Such awareness helps us fight the stigma surrounding this mental disorder, and it also increases acceptance among the population.
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the right treatment and support, individuals can lead balanced and fulfilling lives. At Recover All Behavioral Health, LLC, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help our patients manage their symptoms and achieve their mental health goals. If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder, reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.
References and Citations
- Latifian, M., Abdi, K., Raheb, G., Islam, S. M. S., & Alikhani, R. (2023). Stigma in people living with bipolar disorder and their families: a systematic review. International journal of bipolar disorders, 11(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40345-023-00290-y
- Garcia, R., & Sharma, S. (2023). Chronic Heart Failure. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558998/
- Fornaro, M. (2019). Aggressiveness in bipolar illness: From stigma to reality. *Journal of Psychopathology*, 25(1), 16-24. https://old.jpsychopathol.it/article/aggressiveness-in-bipolar-illness-from-stigma-to-reality/
- Bulteau, S., Grall-Bronnec, M., Bars, P. Y., Laforgue, E. J., Etcheverrigaray, F., Loirat, J. C., Victorri-Vigneau, C., Vanelle, J. M., & Sauvaget, A. (2018). Bipolar disorder and adherence: implications of manic subjective experience on treatment disruption. Patient preference and adherence, 12, 1355–1361. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S151838
