What Happens If You Don’t Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Effects of untreated bipolar disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2.8% of people in the United States had bipolar disorder in the past year, with the majority of cases considered severe.

This means the condition significantly impacts the quality of life and ability to function.

Bipolar disorder treatment focuses on addressing acute symptoms (happening right now) and helping maintain stability (happening in the long term).

Treatment isn’t a guarantee that bipolar disorder will suddenly go away. But medication, therapies, and other approaches can help manage symptoms. They can also prevent bipolar disorder from having worse effects on different parts of your life and overall health.

The risks of untreated bipolar disorder might include:

• negative effects on personal and professional relationships
• not sleeping enough
• self-destructive behavior
• suicidal ideation
• developing other chronic health conditions

Personal life

Bipolar disorder can cause challenges with thinking and emotions. It can also affect a person’s ability to interact with others.

For example, someone who is experiencing a depressive episode of bipolar disorder may isolate themselves and show less interest in their usual activities.

People with bipolar disorder can have difficulty socializing with others. This may affect their ability to maintain friendships, form relationships, and be part of a larger social network.

Bipolar disorder can affect marriages, too.

A 2021 research review suggests that people with bipolar disorder may experience higher marital and sexual dissatisfaction and higher divorce rates.

Bipolar disorder can have negative effects on spouses and caregivers. Caring for someone with bipolar disorder — especially when it’s not being treated and managed — often means time away from work and increased stress.

In that same research review, spouses of people with bipolar disorder often expressed dissatisfaction in their relationships. They reported their relationships had a high demand on their mental and physical health and involved extra self-sacrifice.

Work

Living with untreated bipolar disorder can affect your ability to:

• search for work
• stay employed
• perform job functions

A 2022 review points to bipolar disorder negatively affecting the professional responsibilities people may have at work. That includes people with bipolar disorder being more likely to have work productivity issues and be absent from work.

According to the Center for Workplace Mental Health, people with bipolar disorder miss an average of 18.9 workdays in a year compared with 7.4 days per year for people without bipolar disorder.

A 2023 study found that people with bipolar disorder were 48% less likely to be working than those without. Limitations included memory-related tasks, self-reporting measures, and a lack of treatment assessments.

Mental health risks

Not treating bipolar disorder is associated with increased risks of suicide attempts and mood episode severity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is the major factor for decreased life expectancy in people with bipolar disorder. This is especially true if the condition is untreated.

People with bipolar disorder have a substantially higher rate of suicide than those without the condition. A 2019 review of suicide risk in people with bipolar disorder reports:

• suicide rate of people with bipolar disorder is 10 to 30 times higher than the larger population’s rate
• between 20% and 60% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once in their lives
• up to 20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide

Experts agree timely treatment is key to preventing suicide in people with bipolar disorder. Medication, therapy, lifestyle strategies, and a strong support network can all play a part.

Why do people delay bipolar disorder treatment?

There are many reasons someone may not get treatment right away for bipolar disorder. Some research points to reasons including:

• delayed diagnosis, possibly because of a lack of care during the teen-to-adult years
• misdiagnosis of other personality or psychotic disorders
• social stigma leading to someone not wanting to acknowledge or treat bipolar disorder
• lack of access to care and treatment centers

Treatment options

The National Institute of Mental Health says long-term medication regimens and talk therapy, in particular, are associated with fewer symptoms of bipolar disorder and higher quality of life.

Other research also points to fewer suicides and fewer long-term health consequences that can arise due to untreated bipolar disorder.

This is why getting help as soon as you notice symptoms is important. However, it’s never too late to start managing your bipolar disorder.

The following approaches are all used to treat bipolar disorder.

Medication

Taking a daily medication can help stabilize your moods, reducing the severity of depression and mania symptoms.

Commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder are:

• lithium
• anticonvulsants
• antipsychotic medications

For best results, you must take your medication as directed by your doctor. Like all medications, side effects may occur. Some people need to try more than one medication before they find one that works for them.

Medication is considered the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder, and it’s necessary for successful treatment. Other therapies can also be helpful along with medications.

Therapy

Multiple types of therapy are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, treatment may include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• family-focused therapy
• interpersonal social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), which involves increasing routines for daily tasks, such as waking up and going to sleep

Combining medication with therapy can help people with bipolar disorder manage their condition well long term. It’s important to find a therapist you trust and one who has experience working with bipolar disorder.

Lifestyle strategies

Bipolar disorder can significantly increase the risk of substance use disorders and sleep disorders. For mental and physical stability, it can be essential to:

• get regular exercise
• eat a balanced diet
• sleep 7 to 9 hours per day
• avoid substances like smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol
• find ways to reduce stress

Any lifestyle strategies and changes may be helpful as a complementary therapy, but medication is still required to treat bipolar disorder.

When to seek help

Moods are a part of being human. Most people experience ups and downs due to the events in their lives. But bipolar disorder is more than fleeting emotions. If you are experiencing mood changes that interfere with your daily life, reach out to a doctor.

A primary care doctor can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional. Or, you can look for therapists directly.

Some people prefer to confide in family and friends first. Remember that an emotional support network is essential but not a substitute for professional care.

There are several obstacles to receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, including:

• having difficulty recognizing symptoms
• getting a misdiagnosis, often of anxiety, major depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• experiencing mental health stigma or being afraid to get help

You’re not alone, and having bipolar disorder is not your fault. You deserve the care and resources you need to heal and thrive.

The takeaway

Bipolar disorder can affect all aspects of your life, including your personal relationships and your job. If untreated, bipolar disorder can have even more significant effects on your mental health and increase your risk of suicide.

But bipolar disorder is treatable. Many people experience quality of life improvements with treatment. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies can all work together for the best possible outcome.