It’s true that both men and women are affected in equal numbers by bipolar; however, there is a significant difference in how the disorder manifests. Here are nine features that illustrate the disparity between both genders:
#1 Age of onset
Generally men will be diagnosed earlier in their lives than women and it’s also usually more severe for men. Typically, women will start with a depressive episode, whereas me tend to start with a manic episode first.
#2 Depression versus mania
Women tend to have more persistent and more depressive symptoms and men have a higher incidence of manic episodes. Some studies point to the fact women, are at different risks for sleep disorders and poor sleep quality tended to lead to an increased severity and frequency of depression.
#3 Greater comorbidity
Comorbidity, particularly thyroid disease, migraine, obesity, and anxiety disorders, is more common in women than men. Research also shows that these comorbidities adversely affect recovery from bipolar disorder more often in women.
#4 Substance abuse
Men with bipolar are more likely than women with alcohol or drug abuse. Men also tend to get into trouble during manic episodes from drinking and fighting or causing public disturbances.
#5 Mixed episodes and rapid cycling
Evidence suggests that women with bipolar are more likely than men with bipolar to experience mixed mania episodes, as well as seasonal episodes and rapid cycling. Studies have also found that rapid cycling bipolar appears to be less responsive to treatment than other forms of the illness.
#6 Delayed treatment
While there is no evidence that shows gender affects treatment response to mood stabilizers, women may be more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis and, therefore treatment.
#7 Seeking medical care
Even though men are apt to experience more severe symptoms they are less likely than women to voluntarily ask for help for psychological conditions, including bipolar. Because their disorder may go untreated, men are more at risk for suicide than women given that suicide is more common in males.
#8 Reproductive hormones
Studies reveal that reproductive hormones affect women with bipolar. Symptoms typically worsen during perimenopause and menopause. Women who are in a perimenopuase stage are especially at risk for depressive episodes because of declining estrogen levels.
#9 Pregnancy or new moms
Women with bipolar, who are pregnant or are new moms, are more vulnerable to the symptoms of the disorder. Compared with women who aren’t pregnant or who haven’t recently delivered, they have seven times the risk or hospitalization and two times the risk of recurrent episodes.
via bpHope – bp Magazine Community