Thu 30 Jun 2005 08:22 pm CST
AUSTIN (myDNA News)

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Almost half of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder state that the disease has a highly negative impact on their lives, according to a report published by The World Federation of Mental Health.

The research team polled 700 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder from seven different countries and found that one in three respondents also said they have been discriminated against due to their disorder.

More than 71 percent of the respondents believe that the public does not understand the entirety of their illness, supporting the theory that many bipolar patients feel stigmatized because of their condition.

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects an estimated 3 to 4 percent of the population; 90 percent of those diagnosed with the disease will have more than nine manic episodes in their lifetime.

Michael Grinter, spokesperson for the MDF BiPolar Organization and a bipolar patient himself, hopes that improved public understanding of the disorder will help individuals integrate into mainstream society.

"The damaging stigma that many people associate with my condition only serves to create a climate of fear that lessens acceptance by local communities."


http://www.mydna.com/health/mental/bipolar/resources/news/200507/news_20050630_bipo.html