The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million adults in the United States, with the average age of onset being 25. A patient with the disorder has mood shifts between mania and depression. The manic part of the disorder causes the patient to be euphoric, restless and distracted, while the depressive part of the disorder causes the patient to feel empty, worthless and suicidal. Bipolar disorder may cause problems, though an effective treatment program can manage them.
Difficulties in School
The Mayo Clinic states that untreated bipolar disorder may result in poor performance and/or attendance at school. When the patient is manic, he may have school problems due to racing thoughts, being easily distracted and having problems concentrating. The depression symptoms of social withdrawal, decreased concentration, persistent sadness and loss of interest may also contribute to school absences. The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation notes that a patient with bipolar disorder may have another disorder, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or a learning disability, which can impair school work. The medications for bipolar disorder may make the patient drowsy or cause cognitive problems.
Suicide Risk
A serious problem that some bipolar disorder patients deal with is suicide. NIMH states that during a severe depression episode, the patient may think about her death or attempt to kill herself. The suicide risk can be made worse if the patient has psychotic symptoms during a depressive episode, which may encourage the patient to hurt herself. For example, the patient may have auditory hallucinations that tell her she is worthless, which can exacerbate her depression symptoms.
Substance Abuse
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, the patient may participate in risky behaviors, which can include alcohol or drug use, according to the Mayo Clinic. The patient may also turn to these substances to self-medicate. However, the substance abuse worsens the symptoms and does no improve them like proper medications do.
Other Problems
The Mayo Clinic notes that if the patient does not receive treatment for his bipolar disorder, he may have legal problems, relationship difficulties and money troubles. For example, the patient may have shopping sprees during his manic phase, even if he does not have the money to pay for his purchases. The symptoms of bipolar disorder may cause embarrassment for some patients, which can lead to isolation.
