Suicide and bipolar disorder

The mood disorders are by far the most common psychiatric conditions associated with suicide. Suicide is the anchor point on a continuum of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This continuum is one that ranges from risk-taking behaviors at one end, extends through different degrees and types of suicidal thinking, and ends with suicide attempts and suicide. Suicide, which is both a stereotypic yet highly individualized act, is a common endpoint for many patients with severe psychiatric illness. Patients with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of committing suicide than patients with other psychiatric or medical disorders, but determining the exact risk of suicide is difficult for several reasons. Suicide as a consequence of depressive episodes is one of the primary causes of increased mortality in patients with mood disorders. Major mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, are highly treatable across the spectrum of different ages, but only a minority of affected persons are diagnosed and adequately treated for these disorders.