Bipolar Disorder in People Navigating Divorce or Separation: Prevalence, Risk & Key Differences

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among people navigating divorce or separation? WHO cross-national data did not find a significant overall marital-status association with bipolar spectrum
Are people navigating divorce or separation at higher risk? Relationship disruption may be consequence or trigger; prevalence association unclear
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? High if mood symptoms attributed only to relationship crisis
Does it show up differently among people navigating divorce or separation? Contextually
How might it look different? Episodic impulsivity, irritability, spending/sexual behaviour and depression may strain relationships
What commonly occurs alongside it? Substance use; anxiety; personality disorders
What can it be confused with? BPD; MDD; adjustment disorder; substance-related mood symptoms
Common screening tool MDQ
Separate screening tool for people navigating divorce or separation None
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